KR20080108285A - Vacuum cleaner with a removable cyclone array - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable vacuum cleaner having at least first and second cleaning stages wherein the first cleaning stage has a dirt collection member and the second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones and at least one dirt collection chamber, wherein the first and second cleaning stages are emptied separately. One cleaning stage can be removably mounted from the vacuum cleaner without removing another cleaning stage. ® KIPO & WIPO 2009

Description

Vacuum cleaner with detachable cyclone array {VACUUM CLEANER WITH A REMOVABLE CYCLONE ARRAY}

In one aspect, the invention relates to a cyclonic surface cleaning device, such as a vacuum cleaner, having a plurality of cyclones detachably mounted and parallel to each other. The vacuum cleaner may comprise a plurality of cyclone stages in which at least two cyclone stages are composed of a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an improved cyclone structure. In another aspect, the invention relates to an improved cyclone array structure comprising a structure in which the cyclones are arranged side by side and a structure in which some of the cyclones, preferably the entire cyclones are connected in parallel.

Cyclone vacuum cleaners are known in the art. Also known are cyclonic vacuum cleaners comprising a first stage cyclone and a plurality of second stage cyclones. One example is disclosed in Conrad US Pat. No. 6,782,585. As disclosed in the US patent, a vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage comprising one first stage cyclone, and a second cyclone comprising a plurality of cyclones disposed downstream of and parallel to each other of the first cyclonic cleaning stage. It consists of a type of cleaning stage.

The plurality of second stage cyclones typically removes particulate matter that is finer than the particulate material removed in the first cyclonic cleaning stage. Thus, the coarse particulate material entrained in the air stream is removed in the first cyclonic cleaning stage and finer particulate material is removed in the downstream cyclone cleaning stage. However, the air from the second cyclonic cleaning stage may still contain sufficient particulate matter to damage the intake motor disposed downstream of the second cyclonic cleaning stage. Thus, as disclosed in Conrad's patent, a filter may be disposed downstream of the second cyclonic cleaning stage and upstream of the suction motor.

According to the first embodiment, the cyclone chamber for the vacuum cleaner is disposed in the middle of both ends (upper and lower) of the case of the cyclone separator so that the interior of the cyclone case is placed in the upper cyclone chamber and the lower part of the upper cyclone chamber. It may be provided with a plate that divides into a lower dust collection area or chamber disposed. In conjunction with the structure of the cyclone separator, the plate defines a passageway connecting the cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber to communicate with each other so that dust entering the cyclone chamber is carried to the dust collection chamber. All or at least some of these passages extend laterally or outwardly.

The plate may be any plate known in the art as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,874,197. The plate may have a plurality of openings, or is preferably solid. This plate is disposed inside the outer wall of the case to form an annular gap between the outer peripheral edge of the plate and the inner wall of the cyclone case. The plate overlaps with part of the flow director or part of the outer extension of the case to form the passageway. The circumferential wall of the plate may be altered to have a geometry and orientation that aid in particle removal.

In a variant, instead of the plate, the bottom center of the cyclone case may be raised inward to form a plateau. Thus, the dust collection chamber does not have to extend below the plate or plateau.

According to a first embodiment of this aspect, (a) a dirty air inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclone separator having an outer wall and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet downstream of the dirty air inlet;

(d) substantially divided into a dust collection chamber having a cyclone chamber surface, each having a cyclone chamber having an outer wall with an outer circumference and an outer wall with an outer circumference, and having a cyclone chamber end spaced from the dust collection floor; A plate disposed to make;

(d) a passage extending between the cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber and configured to move at least outward when the separated dust moves through it; And

(e) An indoor vacuum cleaner including an air flow motor is provided.

According to one embodiment, the passage is formed between the cyclone chamber surface of the plate and the outer extension of the outer wall of the cyclone separator.

According to another embodiment, the dust collection chamber and the cyclone chamber each have an outer circumference, the plate is disposed below the outer extension, the outer circumference of the dust collection chamber is larger than the outer circumference of the cyclone chamber.

According to another embodiment, the plate comprises a disk disposed adjacent the cyclone chamber end of the dust collection chamber, the dust collection chamber extending at least below a portion of the disk.

According to another embodiment, the plate comprises a floor of a cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber does not extend down the entire floor.

According to another embodiment, the plate comprises a floor of a cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber does not extend under the floor.

According to a further embodiment, the vacuum cleaner further comprises flow guide means having a flow guide surface extending downwardly into the cyclone chamber from an outer wall of the cyclone chamber to a predetermined position above the plate, the passageway being the flow. It is formed between the guide means and the surface of the cyclone chamber of the plate.

According to a further embodiment, the vacuum cleaner further comprises an annular dust collecting region, which is parallel to the cyclone chamber and separated from the cyclone chamber by an annular inner wall having an end spaced from the plate, wherein A passage is formed between the termination and the cyclone chamber surface of the plate.

According to a further embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises a tube with an inlet, the tube extending along an axis of the cyclone chamber to a predetermined position below the fluid inlet and one end spaced from the plate. Preferably, a screen is provided to cover the inlet of the air flow tube and the screen is spaced apart from the plate.

According to another embodiment, the cyclone separator has a diameter close to the fluid inlet, the passageway being less than one third of the diameter, preferably less than one sixth the diameter, more preferably Height less than 1/10 of the diameter, most preferably less than 1/20 of the diameter.

According to another embodiment, the dust collection chamber has an openable bottom.

According to another embodiment, the plate is removable after the bottom is opened.

According to a second embodiment of this aspect, as a cyclone separator,

(a) a fluid outlet including an outer wall, a fluid inlet and a tube extending along the axis of the cyclone separator to a predetermined position below the fluid inlet and having an inlet;

(b) substantially divided into a dust collection chamber having a cyclone chamber surface, each having a cyclone chamber having an outer wall with an outer circumference and an outer wall with an outer circumference and having a cyclone chamber end spaced from the dust collection floor; A plate disposed so as to be spaced apart from one end of the fluid outlet;

(e) A cyclone separator is provided that extends between the cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber and includes a passage configured to move at least outward when the separated dust moves through.

According to another embodiment, the plate is detachable after the bottom is opened.

It will be appreciated that any variant contemplated for the first embodiment may be used with the second embodiment and may be combined in the apparatus in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a third embodiment of this aspect, as a cyclone separator,

(a) an outer wall and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet close to the diameter of the cyclone separator;

(b) substantially divided into a dust collection chamber having a cyclone chamber surface, each having a cyclone chamber having an outer wall with an outer circumference and an outer wall with an outer circumference and having a cyclone chamber end spaced from the dust collection floor; A plate disposed so as to;

(c) A cyclone separator is provided that extends between the cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber and is configured to move at least outward when the separated dust travels through and has a height less than one third of the diameter. It will be appreciated that any variant contemplated for the first embodiment may be used with the third embodiment, and may be combined with the apparatus in any combination or subcombination form.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the plate of the first embodiment or any plate known in the art may be mounted to the cyclone case to be movable or detachable independently of the movement of the bottom opening door. For example, the plate may be fixed in place using a magnet. Alternatively, the plate may be held in place mechanically in a manner that includes one or more members housed in the opening and fixed within the opening, for example, by a releasable snap fit. Thus, the plate may be snap fit in place as needed and may be removed from the fit position. Alternatively or additionally, the plate is provided with a first position that divides the interior of the cyclone case into a dust collection chamber and a cyclone chamber and an agent that allows the dust to generally pass freely from one chamber to another and subsequently exit the open end of the cyclone case. It may be mounted on a mechanical member for movement from two positions. For example, the plate may be pivoted to a position generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone case.

One advantage of this structure is that the plate can be separated for disposal and / or cleaning by a magnet. In addition, another advantage of using a magnet is that the magnet pulls and confines the magnetic particles inside the cyclone chamber, thereby increasing the efficiency of the cyclone. In particular, the carbon dust produced by the electric motor with a brush is magnetic. Accordingly, the use of cyclone (s) in which the magnets are incorporated helps to remove carbon dust from the airflow. Thus, alternatively, it is preferable to use a cyclone or a cyclone array that receives a magnet downstream of the motor instead of a filter such as a HEPA filter. It will be appreciated that a magnet may be used to aid in particle capture in any of the embodiments described herein.

According to a first embodiment of this aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dust inlet comprising (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclone separator having an outer wall and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet downstream of the dust inlet;

A plate having a cyclone chamber surface and disposed to substantially divide the cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dust collection chamber, the plate being removably mounted in the cyclone separator;

(d) a passage extending between the cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber; And

(e) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor.

In one embodiment, the plate is constrained in place in the cyclone separator by a magnet.

In another embodiment, the plate is mechanically constrained in place. For example, the cyclone separator has a mechanical mating member, and the plate has a portion matable with the mechanical mating member.

In yet another embodiment, the plate has a handle. Preferably, the handle includes a shaft extending in the opposite direction of the plate.

In another embodiment, the dust collection chamber extends under the plate.

In yet another embodiment, a flow guide means is provided having a flow guide surface extending downward into the cyclone chamber from an outer wall of the cyclone chamber to a predetermined position above the plate.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of a vacuum cleaner, a sweeper and a carpet extractor.

In another embodiment, the dust collection chamber has an openable bottom.

In another embodiment, the plate is detachable after the bottom is opened.

According to a second embodiment of this aspect, (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclone separator having an outer wall, a fluid inlet downstream of the dust inlet, an openable bottom and a fluid outlet;

(d) a plate having a cyclone chamber surface and arranged to substantially divide the cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dust collection chamber, the plate being removably mounted in the cyclone separator independently of the bottom;

(e) a passage extending between the cyclone chamber and the dust collection chamber; And

(f) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor.

It will be appreciated that any variant contemplated for the first embodiment may be used with the second embodiment, and may be combined with the apparatus in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the surface cleaning device, preferably the vacuum filtration unit, uses at least two cyclone stages each comprising a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other. One advantage of this structure is that back pressure is reduced throughout the cyclone. For example, the cyclonic separation structure of the filtration unit may comprise a first stage consisting of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other and a second stage consisting of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other. In the presently known structure, one first stage cyclone is used. In comparison, according to this third embodiment, the dirty air in the surface cleaning apparatus is first treated in a cyclone stage consisting of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other, and then another cyclone type consisting of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other. It may be processed in stages, and these stages are preferably located upstream of the air flow motor. A third cyclone stage consisting of a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another may be arranged downstream of the air flow motor.

Preferably, each cyclone of one stage is not in fluid flow communication with the entire cyclone of the subsequent stage. More preferably, each cyclone of one stage is in fluid communication with only one downstream cyclone. Thus, air exiting one cyclone is supplied to only one downstream cyclone.

According to the preferred structure described above, the outlet from the upstream cyclone is connected in fluid communication with the inlet to the downstream cyclone. The outlet from the upstream cyclone may be formed tangentially or helically so that it extends less than one full revolution. More preferably, the outlet from the upstream cyclone and the inlet to the downstream cyclone are each individually configured to extend to less than one complete revolution. If the outlet and inlet are directly connected together, the inlet and outlet may together form a continuous helix extending beyond one revolution. Accordingly, a continuous helix may be formed when the outlet from the upstream cyclone and the inlet to the downstream cyclone merge into one. One advantage of this structure is that the rotational momentum of air developed in the upstream cyclone may be used in the downstream cyclone, and preferably may be further enhanced than in the downstream cyclone. For example, when air flow enters the first cyclone, energy is consumed to produce a rotational movement of air. If a tangential outlet is used, part of the rotational momentum is preserved and may actually be augmented as air moves through the tangential outlet. If the tangential outlet merges or continues with the inlet of the downstream cyclone, the rotational momentum may be preserved and augmented without having a substantially longer spiral or tangential inlet. It will be appreciated that in alternative configurations, tangential inlets from upstream cyclones and preferably tangential inlets to downstream cyclones may be used that are connected to maintain at least some rotational momentum. For example, these outlets and inlets may be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. Such outlets and inlets may also be used in embodiments where one cyclone is in communication with two or more downstream cyclones and other applications.

According to a first embodiment of this aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dust inlet comprising: (a) a dust inlet;

(b) a first cyclonic stage composed of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other, and a second cyclonic stage composed of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other and located downstream of the first cyclonic stage; And

(c) A household appliance comprising a fluid flow motor is provided.

In one embodiment, at least one cyclone has a dust collection chamber that is not in communication with any other cyclone during operation of the portable device.

In another embodiment, each cyclone of the at least one cyclonic stage has an associated dust collection chamber, with each dust collection chamber associated with only one cyclone. Preferably all dust collection chambers are configured to be emptied at the same time. More preferably, the dust collection chamber has a common openable bottom.

In yet another embodiment, each cyclone of the second cyclonic stage is connected in fluid flow communication with one cyclone of the first cyclonic stage.

In another embodiment, each cyclone of the first cyclone stage has a fluid outlet, each cyclone of the second cyclone stage has a fluid inlet, and the cyclone of the first cyclone stage The outlet and the inlet of the cyclone of the second cyclone stage form a continuous passage. Preferably, the fluid outlet is configured to maintain at least a portion of the cyclonic flow generated by the fluid flowing through the associated cyclone. More preferably, the passage is formed in a continuous curved form.

In another embodiment, the at least one cyclonic stage comprises at least 15, preferably at least 20, more preferably approximately 25 or more parallel cyclones.

In another embodiment, the at least one cyclone stage comprises at least one cyclone per square inch, preferably at least two cyclones per square inch.

In another embodiment, the device is a surface cleaning device, a household air purifier or a breathing mask.

In another embodiment, the device is a surface cleaning device.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of a vacuum cleaner, a sweeper and a carpet cleaner.

In another embodiment, the cyclonic stage is disposed upstream of the motor. Preferably, air moves from the cyclonic stage to the motor without passing through the filter.

In another embodiment, the portable device further comprises one cyclone stage, in which three cyclone stages are arranged upstream of the motor.

In another embodiment, air moves from the three cyclone stages to the motor without passing through the filter.

In yet another embodiment, the portable device further comprises a motor rear cyclone stage. Preferably, the fluid exiting the motor rear cyclone stage exhibits a filtration level at least equal to HEPA without the use of a HEPA filter. Alternatively or additionally, the motor rear cyclone stage comprises a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another.

In yet another embodiment, the first cyclone stage and the second cyclone stage are separate from the device, respectively.

It will be appreciated that any of these variations may be combined in the device in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning device, preferably a vacuum cleaner, comprises two cyclonic stages, one of which comprises a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other and at least one dust collection chamber associated therewith. Wherein said plurality of cyclones and associated dust collection chamber (s) comprise a cyclonic unit detachable from a surface cleaning device, configured as a sealing unit, with a cyclone and without openings for fluid flow passages extending from the cyclone. In a preferred embodiment, the dust collection chamber has a sufficient capacity to be emptied only once a month, preferably once every three months, more preferably once every four months, during normal use. One advantage of this structure is that due to the increased storage capacity, the cyclone unit only needs to be removed and emptied only occasionally, so that the cyclone unit is cleaned for most of the time it takes to empty the main collection chamber or the first stage collection chamber. It can be left on the device. For example, when separating to empty the first cyclone stage, the second cyclone stage is retained in the surface cleaning device, thereby reducing the weight and size of components that must be removed from the surface cleaning device when the first stage is empty. do.

Alternatively or additionally, according to the fourth embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus, preferably the vacuum cleaner, has at least a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage, the first cleaning stage having a dust collecting member, The second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collection chamber, wherein the first cleaning stage and the second cleaning stage are each emptied separately. Preferably each stage comprises a plurality of cyclones, more preferably each stage comprises a plurality of dust collection chambers.

According to a first embodiment of this aspect, (a) a dirty air inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) at least a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage, wherein the first cleaning stage comprises a dust collecting member and the second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collecting chamber and is also separate from each other. A first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage configured to be emptied into the furnace; And

(d) A portable vacuum cleaner is provided that includes an air flow motor.

In one embodiment, the second cleaning stage is empty after being separated from the first cleaning stage.

In yet another embodiment, the second cleaning stage is separate from the vacuum cleaner alone. Preferably, the second cleaning stage comprises at least one filter.

In another embodiment, the first and second cleaning stages are separate from the vacuum cleaner, respectively. Preferably, the second cleaning stage is located downstream of the first cleaning stage. Alternatively or additionally, the first cleaning stage comprises at least one cyclone and the dust collecting member comprises a dust collecting chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the first cleaning stage has a dust storage capacity for using the vacuum cleaner for an hourly scheduled cleaning number for a daily household cleaning operation, and the second cleaning stage has the predetermined cleaning number. Has a capacity to store dust for at least three times, preferably ten times, a predetermined number of cleaning times.

In another embodiment, the first and second cleaning stages each have a storage volume, wherein the storage volume of the second stage is used when a vacuum cleaner designed for particulate matter is used to capture particulate matter, The second cleaning stage is selected such that the second cleaning stage is emptied no more than once each time the first stage is emptied three times, preferably not more than once each time the first stage is emptied ten times.

In another embodiment, the second cleaning stage has a dust storage capacity for routine use of the vacuum cleaner for at least one month.

In another embodiment, the second cleaning stage has a dust storage capacity for routine use of the vacuum cleaner for at least three months.

In yet another embodiment, the second cleaning stage has a plurality of dust collection chambers which are emptied simultaneously.

In yet another embodiment, each cyclone of the second cleaning stage has an associated dust collection chamber, each dust collection chamber is associated with only one cyclone, and all dust collection chambers of the second cleaning stage are simultaneously Is emptied.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of cyclones and the at least one dust collection chamber are detachable from the vacuum cleaner as a closed unit. Preferably, the dust collection chamber has an openable bottom. Alternatively or additionally, the second cleaning stage has a plurality of dust collection chambers which are emptied simultaneously.

In another embodiment, the second cleaning stage is sealed except for a fluid flow passage that extends into and out of the cyclone when separated from the vacuum cleaner.

In yet another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner is selected from the group consisting of upright vacuum cleaners, wet / dry vacuum cleaners and canister vacuum cleaners.

In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a door movable to the open position, wherein the second cleaning stage is detachable when the door is in the open position.

In yet another embodiment, the second cleaning stage is slideable and detachable from the vacuum cleaner.

In yet another embodiment, the second cleaning stage is detachably mounted to the first cleaning stage. Preferably, the second cleaning stage is movable upward from the first cleaning stage.

It will be appreciated that any of these variations may be combined in the device in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a second embodiment of this aspect, (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) at least a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage, the second cleaning stage having a plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collection chamber, for emptying except for fluid flow passages extending into and out of the cyclone; A first cleaning step and a second cleaning step, wherein the second cleaning step is configured to be detachable from the surface cleaning device as a sealing unit; And

(d) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes an air flow motor.

It will be appreciated that any variant contemplated for the first embodiment described above may be used with the second embodiment, and may be combined with the apparatus in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the surface cleaning apparatus is composed of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other having at least one associated dust collection chamber, preferably a plurality of dust collection chambers, and at a predetermined position outside the surface cleaning apparatus. It is possible to see the interior of at least one dust collection chamber, preferably each dust collection chamber. Thus, the consumer can see the amount of dust collected inside the dust chamber to determine the moment when the dust chamber should be emptied. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the surface cleaning device has two cyclone stages and is configured such that the stages can be emptied separately, more preferably separately. Thus, the consumer can visually determine the moment at which the stage should be emptied. This aspect is particularly preferable when combined with the above-described fourth aspect, especially when the second stage has a dust capacity in which it is not necessary to empty the second stage every time the first stage is empty.

Although all or some of the associated cyclone (s) and dust collection chamber (s) may be transparent (ie, visible through), in a particularly preferred embodiment, the top of the dust collection chamber (eg, maximum Only the part extending below the filling line needs to be transparent. Accordingly, the dust collection chamber (s) may be formed transparent only at the top or may be formed entirely transparent. One advantage of this structure is that when the dust collection container is full, the user can get a visual signal to empty the cyclone stage without looking inside any dust collection chamber. If both the cyclone and the interior of the dust collection chamber are not visible, the consumer may cause an overfilling of the dust collection chamber, resulting in a reduction in the efficiency of the surface cleaning device. Preferably, the upper part of the predetermined filling line described above is opaque. For example, all cyclone cases may be made of transparent plastic, and only the necessary parts may be masked, for example by coating and / or labeling with a paint coating.

According to a first embodiment of this aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dust inlet comprising: (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclonic cleaning unit having a plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collection chamber each having an outer wall, an interior, a fluid inlet downstream of the dust inlet and a fluid outlet;

(d) at least one dust collection chamber having an outer wall and an interior; And

(e) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor and is configured to view the interior of the at least one dust collection chamber at a location external to the surface cleaning device.

In one embodiment, the outer wall of at least one dust collection chamber has at least a transparent portion.

In another embodiment, at least one of the dust collection chambers has a maximum recommended dust capacity, and the transparent portion extends downwardly from a position that defines the maximum recommended dust capacity.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one dust collection chamber has a maximum recommended dust capacity, and the outer wall of the at least one dust collection chamber is opaquely positioned above the position defining the maximum recommended dust capacity.

In yet another embodiment, the outer wall of at least one dust collection chamber constitutes the outer wall of the surface cleaning apparatus. Preferably, the entire outer wall of the at least one dust collection chamber is formed transparent. More preferably, the surface cleaning device further comprises a transparent wall disposed radially outward of the outer wall of the at least one dust collection chamber.

In another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises a wall disposed outwardly of the outer wall of the at least one dust collection chamber, at least a sufficient portion of the wall being transparent such that the user has an outer wall of the at least one dust collection chamber. Allows you to see the transparency of the.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of cyclones each have an associated dust collection chamber. Preferably, each associated dust collection chamber has an outer wall at least partially transparent. Alternatively or additionally, each associated dust collection chamber has an openable bottom.

In yet another embodiment, each of the plurality of cyclones has a plate arranged to divide the cyclone separator into substantially a cyclone chamber and a dust collection chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus has at least a first cyclone stage and a second cyclone stage, and the cyclone cleaning unit comprises a second cyclone stage.

In yet another embodiment, the first cyclone stage and the second cyclone stage are separate from the surface cleaning apparatus, respectively.

In another embodiment, the first cyclonic stage comprises one cyclone.

In yet another embodiment, the first cyclonic stage comprises a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other. Preferably, the plurality of cyclones of the first cyclonic cleaning unit have at least one first stage dust collection chamber having a first stage outer wall and a first stage interior, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is external to the surface cleaning apparatus. It is configured to be able to see inside the first stage at a predetermined position of the.

In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer wall of each cyclone is transparent.

In yet another embodiment, the outer wall of each cyclone is transparent.

In yet another embodiment, the outer wall portion of the cyclone forms the outer wall of the surface cleaning device.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further includes a wall disposed outside the outer wall of the cyclone, at least a sufficient portion of the wall being transparent to allow the user to see the transparent portion of the outer wall of the cyclone.

In another embodiment, each cyclone and associated dust collection chamber are integrally molded from transparent plastic. Preferably, the outer wall of the dust collection chamber is part of the outer surface of the surface cleaning device, and the transparent plastic of the cyclone is treated so that the sidewall of the cyclone is opaque. Alternatively or additionally, the surface cleaning device further comprises a wall disposed outside of the cyclone cleaning unit, at least a sufficient portion of the wall being transparent so that the user can only see the interior of the dust collection chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises a transparent header in fluid flow communication with the fluid outlet from the cyclone.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises a filter housing at least partially transparent. Preferably, the transparent part of the filter housing is visible when using a vacuum cleaner.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises a filter housing at least partially transparent, wherein the transparent portion of the filter housing can be seen when at least one cyclone stage is separated.

It will be appreciated that any of these variations may be combined in the device in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a second embodiment of this aspect, (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) at least one cyclonic cleaning stage;

(d) a filter housing at least partially transparent; And

(e) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor.

In one embodiment, the transparent portion of the filter housing is visible when using a vacuum cleaner.

In yet another embodiment, the cyclonic cleaning stage is detachable from the surface cleaning apparatus and the transparent portion of the filter housing can be seen when separating the cyclonic cleaning stage.

In another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises an openable door, where the transparent part of the filter housing can be seen when the door is opened.

In yet another embodiment, the filter is a pre-motor filter.

In yet another embodiment, the entire filter housing is transparent.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device has at least a first cyclonic stage and a second cyclonic stage. Preferably, the first cyclone stage and the second cyclone stage are separate from the surface cleaning apparatus, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the first cyclonic cleaning stage comprises one cyclone. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another.

It will be appreciated that any variant contemplated for the first embodiment described above may be used with the second embodiment, and may be combined with the apparatus in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with at least a visible portion inside the cyclone separator and an illumination member arranged to irradiate light to at least a portion inside the cyclone separator. One advantage of this structure is that the user can see the cyclonic operation of the cyclone chamber (and also know whether a problem occurs due to the airflow pattern) and / or when the dust collection chamber should be emptied. Increase your ability to For example, when a vacuum cleaner is used indoors in a low light environment, such as at night, it may be difficult for the consumer to see the interior of the cyclone separator. It will be appreciated that this aspect is particularly useful when combined with at least one of the foregoing fourth and fifth aspects.

Excessive accumulation of dust in the dust collection chamber decreases the cyclone's efficiency and increases the amount of dust that passes through the cyclone without being trapped. This may in turn result in excessive amounts of dust passing through the device's suction motor, such as a vacuum cleaner, thereby shortening the expected life of the device. Enhancing the consumer's ability to monitor the dust captured by the cyclone separator reduces the likelihood that the consumer will accumulate excessive amounts of dust in the cyclone's dust collection container.

According to this aspect, all or part of the cyclone separator case may be composed of an electroluminescent material. Alternatively, the inner wall of all or part of the cyclone may be coated with an electroluminescent material.

For example, all or part of the front part of the cyclone may be transparent, and an electroluminescent coating may be provided on all or part of the back part. The illuminance provided by the electroluminescent material increases the ability of the consumer to see the interior of the cyclone chamber and to determine the amount of dust accumulated inside the chamber. This allows the consumer to know more clearly when to empty the dust collection chamber or container (preferably part of the cyclone separator case). Alternatively, only the cyclone separator case containing the cyclone chamber may be treated or made of electroluminescent material, so that the appearance of dust accumulated in the cyclone chamber may be a visible signal to the user indicating that the dust collection chamber should be emptied.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more light sources may be provided inside the cyclone chamber and / or arranged to irradiate light inside the cyclone chamber to increase the ability of the consumer to determine the amount of dust present in the cyclone chamber. It may be. Preferably, the light source comprises one or more LEDs.

According to one embodiment of the present aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dust inlet comprising: (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclone separator having an outer wall having an inner and an inner surface, the cyclone separator including a cyclone chamber and a dust collecting chamber, each having an outer wall;

(d) a lighting member arranged to irradiate light to at least a portion of the interior of the cyclone separator; And

(e) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor, the surface cleaning device having an outer surface and configured to be able to see the interior of the cyclone separator at a predetermined position outside the surface cleaning device.

In one embodiment, the illumination member comprises an electroluminescent material and a portion of the cyclone separator consists of the electroluminescent material. Preferably, the cyclone separator has a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion is made of an electroluminescent material and the front portion is transparent.

In yet another embodiment, the illumination member comprises an electroluminescent coating and a portion of the cyclone separator is coated with the electroluminescent coating. Preferably, the cyclone separator has a front side and a rear side, the rear side being coated with an electroluminescent coating and the front side being transparent.

In yet another embodiment, the lighting member comprises at least one light source.

In yet another embodiment, the light source is disposed inside the cyclone separator.

In another embodiment, the light source is disposed outside of the cyclone separator, and the light thus generated is irradiated inward into the cyclone separator.

In yet another embodiment, the light source comprises at least one LED.

In yet another embodiment, the dust collection chamber has a dust chamber interior, the surface cleaning device is configured to view the interior of the dust collection chamber from a predetermined position external to the surface cleaning device, and the lighting member is inside the dust chamber. At least a portion of the is arranged to irradiate light.

In yet another embodiment, the outer wall of the cyclone separator has at least a transparent portion, the transparent portion forming part of the outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, the outer wall of the dust collection chamber has at least a transparent portion, which forms part of the outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, the outer wall of the cyclone separator has at least a transparent portion, and the surface cleaning device further comprises a wall disposed outside the outer wall of the cyclone separator, at least a sufficient portion of the wall being transparent such that the user has a cyclone separator. It is formed to see the transparent portion of the outer wall.

In another embodiment, the outer wall of the dust collection chamber has at least a transparent portion, and the surface cleaning device further comprises a wall disposed outside the outer wall of the dust collection chamber, at least a sufficient portion of the wall being transparent so that the user It is formed to see the transparent portion of the outer wall of the dust collection chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the entire outer wall of the dust collection chamber is transparent. Preferably, the surface cleaning device further comprises a transparent wall disposed radially outward at the outer wall of the dust collection chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the entire outer wall of the cyclone separator is transparent and at least one of the transparent plastic and the transparent wall of the cyclone separator is treated to prevent the user from seeing the cyclone chamber.

In yet another embodiment, the entire outer wall of the cyclone separator is formed of transparent plastic, the outer wall of the cyclone separator forms part of the outer surface of the surface cleaning device, and the transparent plastic of the cyclone separator is treated so that the outer wall of the cyclone chamber is opaque. .

It will be appreciated that any of these variations may be combined in the device in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a cyclone stage including a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other and a plurality of dust collection chambers emptied simultaneously, wherein the plurality of cyclones and the plurality of dust collection chambers are surface cleaned. Detachable as a unit from the device. One advantage of this structure is that cross flow between the cyclones through the dust outlet of the cyclone is reduced by using a plurality of dust collection chambers. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each cyclone has its own dust collection chamber. Indeed, different degrees of vacuum may be provided for each of the plurality of cyclones. If a common dust collection chamber is provided for the plurality of cyclones, some of the air moves out of the dust outlet of one cyclone, crosses the common dust collection chamber and then enters the second cyclone through the dust outlet of the second cyclone. There is a tendency for some dust to reenter the second cyclone. Another advantage is that the cyclone dust chamber may be removed from the surface cleaning device in a closed state and transferred to a trash bin or the like so that the contents can be emptied without being scattered during transportation.

According to one embodiment of the present aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dust inlet comprising: (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a plurality of dust collection chambers simultaneously emptied with a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other, wherein the plurality of cyclones and the plurality of dust collection chambers are at least a first cleaning stage detachable from the surface cleaning apparatus as a unit; And

(d) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes an air flow motor.

In one embodiment, each cyclone has an associated dust collection chamber, each dust collection chamber is associated with only one cyclone, and all dust collection chambers are emptied at the same time. Preferably, the dust collection chamber has a common floor that is openable.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises a second cleaning stage, wherein the first cleaning stage is separated from the second cleaning stage before emptying the plurality of dust collection chambers.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cleaning stage, wherein the first cleaning stage is separate from the surface cleaning apparatus alone. Preferably, the first cleaning stage and the second cleaning stage are simultaneously separated from the surface cleaning apparatus, and the first cleaning stage is separated from the second cleaning stage before emptying the plurality of dust collection chambers.

In yet another embodiment, the first cleaning stage includes a cyclonic cleaning unit that is sealed except for a fluid flow passage extending into and out of the cyclone when separated from the surface cleaning apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, the first cleaning stage comprises at least one filter detachable with the first cleaning stage.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device further comprises a door moveable to the open position, the first cleaning end being detachable when the door is in the open position.

In yet another embodiment, the first cleaning stage is slideable and detachable from the surface cleaning apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, the cyclone cleaning unit is detachably mounted to the second cleaning stage, and the first cleaning stage is movable upwardly from the first cleaning stage.

In yet another embodiment, the first cleaning stage comprises at least 15 cyclones parallel to each other.

In another embodiment, the first cleaning stage comprises at least one cyclone per square inch, preferably at least two cyclones per square inch, more preferably at least four cyclones per square inch.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of a vacuum cleaner, a sweeper and a carpet cleaner.

In another embodiment, the cyclones of the first cleaning stage are spaced apart from each other to form an area in which particulate matter is collected between adjacent cyclones. Preferably, the area has a movable floor such that the collection zone may be empty when the floor is moved. Preferably, the dust collection chamber of the first cleaning stage has a common floor which is openable and the floor is moved when this common floor is opened. Preferably, the common floor and the floor comprise a continuous member movably mounted to the first cleaning stage and preferably pivotally mounted.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cleaning stage, wherein the first cleaning stage is disposed outside of the second cleaning stage.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cleaning stage having at least one cyclone, the plurality of cyclones being disposed outside the at least one cyclone.

In yet another embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cleaning stage having at least one cyclone, wherein the first cleaning stage is disposed outside of the at least one cyclone.

It will be appreciated that any of these variations may be combined in the device in any combination or subcombination form.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the cyclone chamber is provided with a screen configured to cover all or part of the outlet of the cyclone chamber and is detachable and preferably replaceable through the top (air inlet end) of the cyclone chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the screen is provided with a handle (eg, air outlet conduit) so that the consumer does not have to touch the screen when detached. A portion of the top panel of the cyclone case may be removable with the screen as an assembly, and may include a thread, bayonet mount, or the like that aligns the assembly with, for example, a portion of the cyclone separator case that does not separate with the screen. Other releasable means. The screen may have sidewalls extending longitudinally to form an outer circumferential screen and sidewalls extending laterally to form a central screen, the sidewalls being connected together and surrounded in length, width and height directions by the screen material. A screen member having an open volume (capture region) is formed. For example, the screen may be H-shaped, square U-shaped or square inverted U-shaped.

Alternatively or additionally, according to the present aspect, a screen is provided in the cyclone chamber to allow air to pass through the screen and into the open enclosure of the screen before moving to the outlet from the cyclone chamber. For example, the screen may be H-shaped or square inverted U-shaped form. The open enclosure has all sides (except the bottom) surrounded by the screen material, which enlarges the surface area of the screen where air may move through before entering the cyclone outlet. Air initially tends to move upwards into the open enclosure and pass through the transverse member to the cyclone outlet. If the transverse member is blocked, the air may pass through the sidewall of the open enclosure and then move back inward through the additional screen material and move into the screen before exiting through the cyclone outlet.

The screen is preferably comprised of a material that aids in the confinement or capture of particulate matter. For example, the screen may be formed of an adhesive material. Alternatively or additionally, the screen may be provided with microfilaments extending outwards. Microfilaments form surface materials (eg, materials such as the very fine trade name Velcro) in which elongated materials such as hair may be captured.

According to a first embodiment of this aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a dust inlet comprising (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclone separator having an outer wall, a top, a fluid inlet downstream of the dust inlet and a fluid outlet;

(d) a screen disposed around the fluid outlet to allow fluid from the cyclone separator to pass through and detachable through the top of the cyclone separator; And

(e) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor.

According to one embodiment, the top of the fluid outlet is located above the top of the cyclone separator and the fluid outlet is removable with the screen.

According to another embodiment, the top of the fluid outlet is the handle of the screen.

According to yet another embodiment, a fluid flow conduit is formed in line with the fluid outlet and extends through the cyclone chamber, with the top of the fluid flow conduit above the top of the cyclone separator and the top of the fluid outlet opening the handle of the screen. Configure.

According to yet another embodiment, the screen is rotatably mounted to a cyclone separator.

According to yet another embodiment, the screen has a larger diameter than the fluid outlet. Preferably, the top of the cyclone chamber has a detachable annular band having a diameter larger than the diameter of the screen. More preferably, the detachable annular band is removable with the fluid conduit and may form an integral assembly with the fluid conduit (eg, may be integrally molded).

According to yet another embodiment, the screen has an outer periphery forming a cavity and a transverse member extending across the cavity.

According to yet another embodiment, the fluid outlet has an inlet, the screen has a longitudinal surface parallel to the fluid outlet and extends beyond the inlet and the first opposite and second opposite ends of the fluid outlet, the transverse member Is disposed between the first opposing end and the second opposing end, the inlet to the fluid outlet being surrounded by the longitudinal surface and the transverse member. The transverse member may be disposed at an intermediate position along the longitudinal surface. Alternatively, the first opposite end is disposed upward and the transverse member is disposed adjacent to the first opposite end. Alternatively, the second opposite end is disposed far away from the top and the transverse member is disposed adjacent to the second opposite end.

It will be appreciated that any of these variations may be combined in the device in any combination or subcombination form.

According to a second embodiment of this aspect, (a) a dust inlet;

(b) with a handle;

(c) a cyclone separator having a fluid outlet having an outer wall, a top, a fluid inlet downstream of the dust inlet and an inlet;

(d) a screen disposed around the inlet of the fluid outlet, the longitudinal surface extending beyond the inlet of the fluid outlet parallel to the fluid outlet and the first opposing end and the second opposing end and the fluid of the cyclone separator without passing through the screen; A screen having a transverse member disposed to form a cavity interior of the longitudinal surface that is open to the cavity; And

(e) A surface cleaning device is provided that includes a fluid flow motor.

It will be appreciated that any variant contemplated for the first embodiment may be used with the second embodiment, and may be combined with the apparatus in any combination or subcombination form.

It will be appreciated that these variations may be combined in one or more other aspects in any combination or subcombination form.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an improved cyclone that may be used in a vacuum cleaner. In particular, the cyclone may have an inlet disposed outside the cyclone chamber. For example, the inlet may be located on top of the cyclone. The inlet may be formed as the top of the cyclone chamber case, or may be mounted on top of the cyclone case and in air flow communication with the cyclone chamber formed in the case. Such inlets include helical or tangential inlets. Preferably, the spiral ramp may extend in an arc of 15 ° to 360 °, preferably 25 ° to 270 °, more preferably 25 ° to 90 °. It will be appreciated that in a variant, a spiral inlet extending less than one full revolution may be configured on the sidewall of the cyclone vessel. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cyclone or the plurality of cyclones may be formed of a biodegradable material. One advantage of this structure is that the cyclone may be disposable. Thus, when buried in a landfill, the cyclone case will one day be biodegradable. For example, the cyclone may be formed of a paper-based material that is a starch or glucose-based material for compression molding or injection molding so that the product is biodegradable. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, the case or part of the cyclone chamber may be formed of a deformable material such as an elastomeric material. Preferably, the case has sufficient rigidity to maintain shape during storage and transportation of the vacuum cleaner, more preferably during normal operation of the vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, the inner surface or part of the outer wall of the cyclone separator and / or the inlet and outlet and any internal components may be coated with an adhesive material or lined with a detachable adhesive material. have. For example, the adhesive material may be agar or pectin or rubber-based adhesives. One advantage of this embodiment is that the particulate material adheres to the adhesive material as the air rotates in the cyclone chamber and contacts the outer wall of the cyclone case or any other portion with adhesive material associated therewith. Accordingly, the efficiency of the cyclone is further increased by dust adhering to the outer wall of the cyclone. According to this aspect of the invention, the cyclone or adhesive liner inserted into the cyclone may be disposable. Accordingly, the cyclone case may be composed of a thin plastic wall (eg, vacuum molded plastic). Alternatively, the selected adhesive may be dust that comes off upon contact with water. Accordingly, when the user washes the inside of the cyclone, the dust attached to the outer wall of the cyclone chamber is removed. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is preferred that an adhesive is provided on the downstream cyclone configured to remove finer particulate matter. Accordingly, this embodiment is particularly preferred for use in the second, third, fourth, or other sequential stage (s) of a multistage cyclone separator in which small amounts of fine particles are collected. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cyclone case may be constructed or coated with sterile material. The sterilizing material prevents the growth of the microorganisms in the cyclone chamber or reduces the propensity for the growth of the microorganisms. For example, a bactericide such as tin arsenic compound may be added to the molded plastic of the cyclone container, or the sterilizing material such as the surfactant lipid combination may prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi or viruses inside and / or outside the cyclone. It may also be applied to. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the present invention, all or part of the cyclone case, which may include any inlet and / or outlet of the cyclone case and any screen material used in the cyclone case, may be made or coated with electret material. It may be. The electret material is configured to have permanent electrical charge polarization characteristics. For example, plastic may be permanently polarized in such a way that it is heated and cooled in the presence of an electric field. One advantage of this embodiment is that all or part of the cyclone case may be configured to increase the efficiency of the cyclone by removing the electrically charged particles with the function of a magnet. Typically, particulate material moving through the cyclone is charged as the material passes through the cyclone separator at high speed. Thus, the use of a cyclone case formed from a material having a permanent electrostatic field or a portion thereof increases the separation efficiency of the cyclone, in particular the separation efficiency of finer particulate matter, through a combination of electrostatic traction and cyclonic separation. Accordingly, this embodiment is particularly preferred for use in the second, third, fourth, or other sequential stage (s) of a multistage cyclone separator in which small amounts of fine particles are collected. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, some or all of the particles trapped in one cyclone are conveyed to another cyclone located upstream or downstream such that at least some of the particulate material carried to the upstream cyclone or downstream cyclone is upstream cyclone or downstream. It collects in the particle collection means of a cyclone. One advantage of this embodiment is that the consumer only needs to empty one cyclone container of the surface cleaning device. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least two, preferably at least five, more preferably at least ten, and most preferably per square inch measured in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator A cyclone array is provided that may be formed in a size at least 25 cyclones are located. Such a configuration may be used alone or in combination with any of the aspects contemplated herein.

In any aspect of the invention, the cyclone separator may comprise plates known in the art for forming a dust collection chamber in the cyclone chamber lower cyclone separator. The plate is preferably disposed inward from the outer wall of the cyclone separator case to form an annular gap between its outer peripheral edge and the inner wall of the cyclone case. When the plate is spaced apart from the inner wall of the cyclone separator case, the plate has a top and bottom surface and a circumferential wall extending between these top and bottom surfaces. The peripheral wall may be altered in geometry and orientation to aid in particle removal.

The foregoing and further advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood in connection with the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a vacuum cleaner incorporating two cyclonic cleaning stages.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a cyclonic cleaning stage of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG.

3, 3A and 3B are perspective views of a cyclone inlet in accordance with a preferred variant of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cyclone separator transparent to the outer case according to a preferred variant of the present invention.

5 is a perspective view of a cyclone separator according to a preferred variant of the present invention.

6 is a perspective view of a cyclone separator according to a preferred variant of the present invention.

6A is a side view of a plate used to divide the interior of a cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dust collection area in accordance with a variant of the present invention.

6B and 6C are perspective views of a plate used to divide the interior of a cyclone separator into a cyclone chamber and a dust collection area according to a variant of the present invention.

6d is a vertical cross-sectional view through a cyclone separator showing an alternative position of the plate according to a preferred variant of the invention.

6E is a vertical cross sectional view through a cyclone separator on which a plate is mounted using a magnet in accordance with a preferred variant of the present invention;

6F is a side view of a cyclone separator in which magnets are used to assist in particle capture in accordance with a preferred variant of the present invention.

Fig. 6g shows a preferred variant of the invention, a vertical cross section through a cyclone separator in which the plate is mounted using mechanical means on the inner surface of the side wall of the dust collection chamber in which the bottom door is closed.

FIG. 6H is a vertical section through the cyclone separator of FIG. 6G with the bottom door open;

7 is a view showing a preferred variant of the present invention, in which a vertical cross-sectional view of a cyclone separator in which the bottom of the cyclone case is raised to form an annular dust collection chamber.

FIG. 7A illustrates a preferred variant of the present invention, in which a vertical cross-sectional view of a cyclone separator forming a larger dust collection chamber with a larger diameter below the sidewall of the cyclone case; FIG.

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a preferred variant of the invention, wherein a vertical cross-sectional view of a cyclone separator provided with an annular dust collecting chamber extending longitudinally to form an annular dust collecting chamber with the bottom of the cyclone case raised;

Fig. 7c shows a preferred variant of the invention, in which a vertical cross section of a cyclone separator is provided with a redirector;

Fig. 7d shows a preferred variant of the invention, in which a cross-sectional view of a cyclone separator with outlets provided at the bottom of the cyclone case is provided.

8 is a perspective view of a cyclone separator array according to a preferred variant of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a detailed configuration of the cyclone array of FIG. 8. FIG.

8B is a plan view showing a detailed modified configuration of the cyclone array of FIG.

FIG. 8C is a plan view showing a detailed modified configuration of the cyclone array of FIG. 8. FIG.

8D is a side view of the detailed modified configuration of FIG. 8C.

9 is a plan view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8C.

9A is a perspective view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8C.

10 is an exploded perspective view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8C configured as two consecutive stages with a common manifold interposed therebetween;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8B. FIG.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8B. FIG.

12 is an exploded perspective view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8B configured as three consecutive stages with a common manifold interposed therebetween;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8A. FIG.

13A is a perspective view of the cyclone array of FIG. 8A.

14 is an exploded perspective view of the cyclone array shown in FIG. 8A configured as two consecutive stages with a common manifold interposed therebetween.

15 is a schematic view of a vacuum cleaner having a plurality of cyclones in accordance with a preferred variant of the invention.

15A is a schematic representation of a variant of a vacuum cleaner with a plurality of cyclones in accordance with a preferred variant of the present invention.

16 is a perspective view of the cyclone array separated from the vacuum cleaner with the water injection port open.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner, in which the first cyclonic stage is held in place on the vacuum cleaner while the second cyclonic stage is separated; FIG.

18 and 19 are perspective views of a vacuum cleaner in which the first cyclone stage and the second cyclone stage are separated and separated from each other for emptying, respectively.

20 and 21 are perspective views of a variant of the vacuum cleaner, in which the second cyclonic stage is separated while the first cyclonic stage is held in place on the vacuum cleaner.

In the following, preferred embodiments of improvements relating to cyclones and cyclone arrays are described with reference to the use of surface cleaning devices, in particular vacuum cleaners. In various embodiments, improvements of the present invention include breathing masks for use in hospitals and toxic environments, as well as other household appliances, including air cleaners such as portable indoor air purifiers, furnace air purifiers, and the like. It will be appreciated that it can also be used for other commercial and industrial applications, including air treatment systems and the like.

Description of an example upright vacuum cleaner

In a preferred embodiment, the improvement is used in a surface cleaning device, preferably a vacuum cleaner, more preferably a vacuum cleaner with a plurality of cyclonic cleaning stages. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a multistage cyclonic vacuum cleaner used to illustrate different aspects. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 1 has a ground registration head 2, a main case 3 rotatably mounted with respect to the ground registration head 2, and a handle for controlling the vacuum cleaner 1. (4) and an upright vacuum cleaner provided with an electric cord (5). The main case 3 includes a first cyclone cleaning stage 7 composed of one cyclone and a second cyclone cleaning stage 8 composed of a plurality of cyclones 9 parallel to each other. 6). Dirty air may enter the first cyclonic cleaning stage 7 by any means known in the art. 1 and 2, the ground mating head 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a dirty air inlet (not shown) capable of airflow communication with the first stage cyclone inlet 10. The air first passes through a first cyclone cleaning stage 7 consisting of one cyclone as illustrated, and then is discharged upwards through the first stage cyclone outlet conduit 27. Air travels further upwards and enters the second stage cyclone 9 through the second stage cyclone inlet 12. Air travels through the second stage cyclone 9 and exits the second stage cyclone 9 through the second stage cyclone outlet 13. The treated air then travels downwards through the conduit 14 to the fluid flow motor, preferably the suction motor 15, before exiting the vacuum cleaner 1 and into the ground mating head.

The ground mating head 2 may be of any configuration known in the art, and may include a rotating brush or the like to help draw dust into the dirty air inlet (not shown) of the ground mating head 2. have. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 may include an extension rod or the like for the above-mentioned floor cleaning as known in the art. In a variant, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be a canister vacuum cleaner, a backpack vacuum cleaner, a carpet cleaner, a wet / dry vacuum cleaner, or some other vacuum cleaner, or a surface cleaning head (ie, known in the art). Heads usable for cleaning surfaces, which may be chosen among floors, walls, furniture or other surfaces), as well as household and commercial appliances which are preferably used as household appliances and in particular indoor appliances. It will be appreciated that it may be a surface cleaning equipment used in the present invention.

Combination of cyclone

According to one aspect of the invention, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, a plurality of cyclonic cleaning stages, preferably a plurality of cyclone arrays, are provided. Preferably, this configuration is used to remove particulate matter in the air, in particular surface cleaning devices (eg vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, etc.) and air cleaners (eg portable air cleaners or furnaces in houses). Air purifiers connected to iii). As shown in FIG. 2, the vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage 7 composed of a single cyclone, a plurality of second stage cyclones 9, and a plurality of third arranged in the motor front region 16. It may also be provided with a cyclonic cleaning unit 6 comprising a cyclone (eg, an array 73 as shown in FIG. 8).

In a variant it will be appreciated that the first cyclonic stage may comprise a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another. For example, the vacuum cleaner may comprise two cyclonic cleaning stages each consisting of a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other, preferably these first and second stages are in the order of fluid flow through the vacuum cleaner. Are arranged.

As another example, an intake motor or air flow motor 15 (eg dirty air motor) may be arranged upstream of the cyclonic cleaning unit 6, wherein the cleaning unit 6 is one to four. It may also include a cyclonic cleaning stage. According to this example, at least one cyclonic cleaning stage, preferably a plurality of cyclonic cleaning stages, more preferably all cyclonic cleaning stages comprise a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other.

Alternatively, one cyclonic cleaning stage may be provided upstream of the motor 15, with a plurality of (eg two to four) cyclonic cleaning stages arranged downstream of the suction motor 15. May be Some cyclonic cleaning stages, preferably a plurality of cyclonic cleaning stages, more preferably all cyclonic cleaning stages, comprise a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another.

Alternatively, a plurality of cyclonic cleaning stages may be provided upstream of the motor, and one or more cyclonic cleaning stages may be provided downstream of the motor 15. For example, two or three cyclonic cleaning stages may be disposed upstream of the motor 15, and one or two cyclonic cleaning stages may be disposed downstream of the motor 15. Preferably some cyclonic cleaning stages, more preferably most cyclonic cleaning stages, and most preferably all cyclonic cleaning stages comprise a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, four cyclonic cleaning stages may be provided upstream of the motor 15, in which case at least one cyclonic cleaning stage, preferably some cyclonic cleaning stage, most preferably Every cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another.

Preferably, the cyclonic stages are disposed outside of each other (ie do not overlap one another). Thus, the cyclonic stages may be stacked on top of one another (in a manner in which the other is arranged on top of one another) or may be arranged side by side.

Configuration of Cyclone Inlet

In another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, the cyclone separator 20 may include an air inlet 21 located above the separator 20 (eg, FIG. 3). 3a and 3b). The inlet 21 may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, ellipsoidal or any other shape in cross section with respect to the flow direction, but is preferably rectangular in shape as illustrated in the figure. The particle-containing fluid represented by arrow 22 is guided by a spiral ramp 25 that enters the air inlet 21 and forms the inlet 21, whereby a cyclonic circulation 23 is generated in the cyclone separator 20. . The spiral ramp 25 may be configured to occupy an arc of 10 ° to 360 ° of the circumference of the cyclone separator 20 as can be seen from the foregoing. Preferably, the spiral ramp 25 extends over an arc of 15 ° to 360 °, more preferably 25 ° to 270 °, most preferably 25 ° to 90 °. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the air or fluid inlet 21 extends over an arc of 90 ° and in the embodiment of FIG. 3B the air inlet extends over an arc of 270 °. The spiral ramp 25 may be configured clockwise or counterclockwise. As illustrated in the figure, at least a portion of the inlet, preferably the entire inlet 21, is arranged outside of the cyclone chamber, which is located inside the cyclone separator 20. For example, the inlet may be located on the outer surface of the cyclone separator 20, but is preferably located on top of the cyclone separator 20.

At least a portion of the particles 24 within the particle containing fluid stream 22 are separated from the fluid flow stream and accumulate in the lower region of the cyclone separator 20 by the cyclonic circulation 23 inside the cyclone separator 20. Fluid flow 26 exiting cyclone separator 20 through fluid outlet conduit 27 disposed adjacent inlet 21 has a lower concentration of particles 24 than particle containing fluid flow 22. It will be appreciated that this configuration can be applied to a single cyclone or to a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other. In another embodiment, it will be appreciated that the outlet conduit 27 may be provided at the bottom of the cyclone separator 20 or any other location known in the art.

The advantage of having a spiral ramp 25 that occupies only a portion of the circumference of the cyclone separator 20 is that the inlet 21 has a bottom mating nozzle (eg, surface cleaning head), another cyclone, a filter bag, a plurality of different More easily connect to an air inlet, manifold or duct that may extend from a cyclone, a fan, a pump or other pressure source, or any other source of particle containing fluid.

Another advantage of this embodiment is that by reducing the arc of the inlet 21, the volume of the inlet can be reduced, effectively increasing the volume of the cyclone chamber. Thus, by using a helical inlet extending over an arc less than one full revolution, the volume of the cyclone separator 20 and thus the separator 20 without increasing the cyclone case or the external dimensions of the device to which it is provided. The amount of dust that may be accommodated inside the cabinet may be increased. In surface cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, air cleaners, and the like, it will be appreciated that the foot print that the device may occupy is limited. Accordingly, in order to increase the dust holding volume of the apparatus, it is desirable to maximize the available dust collecting area without increasing the volume of the apparatus. It will be appreciated that in a variant, a spiral inlet 21 extending below one complete revolution may be configured on the sidewall of the cyclone vessel (see, eg, FIG. 5).

Internal screen for cyclone separator

In another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, for example, referring to FIG. 4, an improved inner screen for the cyclone separator 20 is provided. In the configuration of this variant, the screen member 28 is preferably composed of a fine mesh having a square area of 0.000001 to 0.04 square inches per hole or opening. The openings or holes of the screen may be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagonal, heptagonal, hexagonal, or the like, and are preferably multilateral.

Alternatively or additionally, screen 28 may include a central screen 28a and an outer circumferential screen 28b having a longitudinal surface parallel to the cyclone outlet. The central screen 28a extends laterally to extend across the cross section of the outer circumferential screen 28b, providing a complete screen surface extending between opposing portions of the outer circumferential screen 28b. The central screen 28a, which is a transverse member, may be disposed at the lower end 28 ′ of the outer circumferential screen 28 b (which typically forms a square U-shaped screen) and the upper end of the outer circumferential screen 28 b. May be disposed below the inlet to the fluid outlet towards (28 ") (which typically form a square inverted U-shaped screen), or any position between these two positions, preferably the outer peripheral screen as illustrated It may be disposed close to the intermediate point along the longitudinal length of 28b (usually forming an H-shaped screen) Preferably, a central screen 28a is disposed between the ends of the outer circumferential screen 28b. A capture area 29 is formed inside the outer circumferential screen 28b to assist in the capture of fibers, hair or particles, the capture area 29 being a longitudinal surface, i. Cyclone minutes not passed Is open to the fluid within the group. The cross-sectional shape of the screen member (28) is to be understood that circular, oval, square or be any other shape.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cyclone separator 20 is disposed substantially vertically, the outlet is provided on top of the cyclone chamber, and the screen 28 is a longitudinally extending wall 28b made of screen material. (Preferably a circular cross section) and an outer circumference which extends in the longitudinal direction across the entire inner cross section of the outer circumference screen 28b which extends in the longitudinal direction and is arranged inside the longitudinally extending outer circumference screen 28b. It includes a central screen 28a that extends between opposing ends of the screen 28b to provide a generally H-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape, the central screen extending laterally. Accordingly, air moved through the cyclone chamber to the bottom of the cyclone case moves upwardly through the center of the cyclone (ie, moves upward between the longitudinally extending outer periphery screens 28b), preferably Enter the capture area 29 of the screen 28. Air meets and passes through the center screen 28a. If the central screen 28a is clogged, some or all of the air will begin to move out through the bottom 132 of the outer circumferential screen 28b, and then again through the upper 134 of the outer circumferential screen 28b and inside Thus, it may move toward the center of the cyclone chamber at a predetermined position above the center screen 28a and move to the cyclone outlet. Thus, the use of screens with generally H-shaped vertical cross sections can increase the area of available screens.

According to a preferred variant, the central screen 28a may be disposed adjacent the bottom of the outer circumferential screen 28b to form a screen comprising a generally square U-shaped member in the vertical cross section. Accordingly, air that has traveled through the cyclone chamber toward the cyclone outlet must travel through the screen material 28a or 28b to reach the cyclone outlet conduit 27. According to the present embodiment, the air can travel through the central screen 28a or the outer circumferential screen 28b to reach the cyclone outlet conduit 27, thereby allowing the use of the screen member 28 of increased surface area. Accordingly, the fluid may move toward the center of the cyclone chamber at a predetermined position on the upper side of the central screen 28a through the upper portion 134 of the outer peripheral screen 28b to the cyclone outlet.

In another variant, the center screen 28a may be arranged on top of the outer circumferential screen 28b to form a generally square inverted U-shaped filter in the vertical cross section. Accordingly, air travels upwardly through the internal capture area 29 of the outer circumferential screen 28b to reach the central screen 28a to reach the cyclone outlet and through the central screen to the outlet conduit 27. May be reached. Alternatively, some of the air may travel through outer periphery screen 28b to reach capture region 29 and then move upward to reach the cyclone outlet through central screen 28a.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the outer circumferential screen 28b may be formed to spread outward in the direction opposite to the outlet. Accordingly, a portion of the outer circumferential screen 28b remote from the outlet conduit 27 may be formed to have a larger diameter cross section than the portion of the outer circumferential screen 28b adjacent the outlet. One advantage of this structure is that when the air flow through the cyclone chamber is terminated, the material accumulated in the interior volume of the screen more easily falls downwards to the bottom 31 of the cyclone case. Thus, for example, when a cyclone is used as a cleaning stage of a surface cleaning device or an air purifier, the user may remove the dust collection chamber of the cyclone container (eg, the bottom 31 of the cyclone case may be the dust collection chamber). If the cyclone case itself may be separated], dust may flow to the bottom of the cyclone case outside the internal volume of the above-described flared screen. Alternatively, if the screen 28 is separable as disclosed herein, the dust that has been separated and accumulated in the internal volume of the flared screen (capture region 29) is the bottom 31 of the cyclone case. You can also fall to). Alternatively, the screen may be placed over the trash can and knocked on the side of the screen to allow the dust contained therein to fall out of the flared capture area 29.

It will be appreciated that the transverse center screen 28a need not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outlet conduit 27.

Detachable screen

According to another aspect of the invention, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects and preferably with the screen configurations disclosed herein, the screen 28 provided in the cyclone separator 20 is an outlet from the cyclone chamber. The whole or part of the conduit 27 is covered, detachable, and optionally replaceable. According to this preferred variant, the screen 28 is configured to be detachable via the fluid outlet conduit 27 of the cyclone chamber or together with the fluid outlet conduit 27. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cyclone separator 20 has an outlet conduit 27 partially extending into the cyclone chamber and to which the screen 28 is attached or associated. The screen may have a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the outlet conduit 27 and may be separated through the outlet conduit 27, or may be formed larger than the outlet conduit 27 and separated with the outlet conduit 27. . The outlet conduit 27 may be detachably mounted to the cyclone case by screws or bayonet mounts or the like. Accordingly, the user can separate the outlet conduit 27 and the screen 28 attached thereto by rotating the outlet conduit 27 and withdrawing the outlet conduit 27 longitudinally upward from the cyclone separator 20. . Accordingly, one advantage of the present embodiment is that the screen may be detachably mounted in the cyclone chamber so that the screen may be easily separated to allow for cleaning of the screen. In particular, with the screen mounted in the cyclone chamber, the user does not need to access the cyclone chamber to separate the screen or to clean long, slender material such as hair and other fibrous material from the screen.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the outlet conduit 27 may also function as a handle for the screen. For example, if the outlet conduit 27 extends over the top of the cyclone separator 20, the user may grip the upper end of the outlet conduit 27 and use it as a handle. This eliminates the need for the user to touch the screen. Instead, the screen can be cleaned using a brush and / or by washing the screen in water. After cleaning, the user can reinsert the screen into the cyclone chamber without touching the screen. It will be appreciated that other means known in the art may be used together to secure the outlet conduit 27 and cyclone separator 20.

In addition, when the diameter of the screen 28 is larger than the diameter of the outlet conduit 27, the detachable annular having a diameter larger than the diameter of the screen 28 on the wall of the cyclone case provided with the outlet conduit 27. It will be appreciated that band 30 is provided. Accordingly, when the annular band 30 is separated, an opening having a size enough to allow the screen 28 to pass through is provided in the outer wall 30a of the case (see, for example, FIGS. 2A and 17). Preferably, annular band 30 forms an integral assembly with outlet conduit 27 and may be integrally formed with outlet conduit 27. Thus, only one component needs to be removed from the cyclone case to separate the screen for cleaning. The annular band 30 may be lockably attached to the outer wall 30a by any means known in the art, such as bayonet mounts, screw mounts, magnets or locking tabs.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the first cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a downflow conduit 14. Downflow conduit 14 is formed collinear with fluid outlet conduit 27 and extends through cyclone chamber 53, with an upper portion 19 of the conduit located above the upper portion of cyclone separator 20. Thus, in this variant, the upper end 19 of the downflow conduit 14 forms a handle for the unit to be separated. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the user grasps the upper end 19 and, for example, rotates the conduit 14 to pull the protrusion 148 out of the recess, not shown, and then pulls upward. The screen 28, which is leaning against the upper opening 144, can be separated to empty dust in the cyclone chamber 53 through the opening.

The second cyclonic stage 8 is mounted on top of the first cyclonic cleaning stage 7, and if the second cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a downflow tube 138, the second cyclonic cleaning stage ( 8) is separated first. Gasket or O at the end 19 to seal the downflow conduit 138 of the second cyclonic cleaning stage 8 and the upper end 19 of the downflow conduit 14 of the first cyclonic cleaning stage 7. It will be appreciated that a ring 18 may be provided.

According to a variant, the screen 28 may be permanently attached to the screen mount (eg, the screen mount may be formed to surround the outlet conduit 27 of the cyclone chamber and may be disposed of together with the outlet conduit). You will know. As used herein, it will be appreciated that screen 28 includes a material that preferably has an approximate open pore size selected to allow finer dust material to pass but not elongate material. Accordingly, the screen does not filter particulate matter and has little effect on the back pressure of air moving through the screen during cleaning of the screen.

It will be appreciated that cyclone outlet conduits 27 may be provided at various locations in the cyclone case, and that the orientation of the screen according to the embodiments described above may be adjusted to cover the outlet conduits 27 accordingly. In addition, the transverse center screen 28a is not necessarily orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the outlet conduit 27.

Geometry of Cyclone Separator

According to another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, an improved configuration of the cyclone separator 20 is provided, see for example FIG. 6. According to this embodiment, cyclone separators 20 of different geometries are provided. In particular, the geometry of the cyclone separator 20 is preferably selected based on the size of the cyclone separator 20. Accordingly, in the case of the cyclone separator 20 whose inner diameter D is greater than 1 in, the geometry of the cyclone is preferably as follows.

Inlet width W is preferably D / 3 to D / 5,

Inlet height (H) is preferably 2W to 5W,

The height h from the bottom 31 or floor of the cyclone separator 20 is preferably greater than 2H, more preferably more than 4H, most preferably more than 8H.

When the optional plate 32 is employed, the height h above the plate 32 is preferably greater than 2H, more preferably greater than 4H, most preferably greater than 8H,

The height i below the plate 32 is preferably greater than 1H, more preferably greater than 2H, most preferably greater than 4H,

The spacing between the circumferential wall of the plate 32 and the inner wall surface of the cyclone separator 20 is preferably 0.025 in to 0.075 in, more preferably 0.035 in to 0.050 in, most preferably 0.040 in.

Optionally, for cyclone separators 20 whose inner diameter D is 1 in or less, the geometry of the cyclone is preferably as follows.

Inlet width W is preferably D / 5 to D / 15, more preferably D / 8 to D / 12,

Inlet height H is preferably 2W to 5W, more preferably 3W to 4W,

The height h from the bottom 31 or floor of the cyclone separator 20 is preferably greater than 2H, more preferably more than 4H, most preferably more than 8H.

When the optional plate 32 is employed, the height h above the plate 32 is preferably greater than 2H, more preferably greater than 4H, most preferably greater than 8H,

The height i below the plate 32 is preferably greater than 1H, more preferably greater than 2H, most preferably greater than 4H,

The spacing between the circumferential wall of the plate 32 and the inner wall of the wall of the cyclone separator 20 is preferably 1 W to W / 10, more preferably W / 1.5 to W / 4, most preferably W / 2 to W / 3.

For cyclone separators 20 with a diameter of 0.75 in. To 1.5 in., It can be understood that by applying the parameters for the cyclone separator 20 with a diameter less than or greater than 1 in, superior performance can be achieved. There will be.

Structure of Split Plate for Cyclone Separator

According to yet another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, the cyclone separator 20 divides the interior of the cyclone separator 20 into a cyclonic region or a cyclone chamber 53 and a dust collecting region or a dust collecting chamber. An improved configuration of the plate 32 included in 20 is provided, see for example FIG. 6A. As shown, the plate 32 has a top or cyclone chamber surface 32a, a bottom or dust collection chamber surface 32b, and a circumferential wall 32c. Each of these different configurations is advantageous for helping to capture particles of different sizes. For example, the circumferential wall 32c of the plate 33 is flat (ie may extend generally vertically). The plate 33 is preferably used in the cyclone separator 20 to capture common particles having a particle diameter of at least 3 microns, as seen in carpets and at home. Alternatively, the circumferential wall 32c may be at an angle with the upper surface 32a and / or the lower surface 32b. See, for example, plates 34, 35 and 36. As shown, the plate 35 includes a top and a bottom that intersect at intermediate locations along the thickness of the plate to form sharp edges (eg, generally V-shaped). As the size of the particles decreases, the plates 33, 34, and 35 are more effective at improving discontinuity at the outer periphery to improve the separation of the ultrafine particles. Alternatively, the circumferential edge may be formed curved (for example, the center may be bent such that the plate 37 is generally C-shaped as shown). If the specific gravity of the particles removed from the fluid stream is similar to the specific gravity of the fluid, the curved surfaces 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 tend to provide more efficient separation.

In the case of mixtures having a wide range of particle specific gravity, forming the upper surface 32a of the plate 32, i.e., the surface disposed toward the cyclone chamber, as a regular or irregular symmetrical or asymmetrically curved or angular discontinuous surface is effective for separation efficiency. It is also found that it can be augmented. An example is shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. In the example of FIG. 6B, the discontinuous portion 42a is curved upward from the upper surface 32a, and the discontinuous portion 42b is curved downward from the upper surface 32a. In the example of FIG. 6C, the discontinuous portion 43a is formed to be angled upward from the upper surface 32a, and the discontinuous portion 43b is formed to be angled downward from the upper surface 32a.

The plate 32 may be mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator 20 (eg, if the cyclone separator extends vertically, the plate 32 extends horizontally), in a variant the plate. It will be appreciated that 32 may extend in a direction other than the transverse plane with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone separator 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 6D, the plate 44 is mounted at an angle with respect to the wall 45 of the cyclone separator 20. It will be appreciated that the wall 45 of the cyclone separator may be formed to selectively curve toward the top or bottom of the cyclone separator 20, or may be angled.

According to another variant of the invention, the plate 32, which may be of one and / or a specific configuration disclosed herein, comprises a peripheral wall 32c of the plate and a wall 45 of a cyclone case of non-uniform thickness. It may be arranged to form an annular gap between the inner surface of the). For example, the plate 32 may be disposed closer to the wall 45 along the arc of the wall 45 or at one or more locations, or may contact the wall 45. Alternatively or additionally, the plate 32 may be angled as shown in FIG. 6D so that one end is remotely located above the bottom 31 of the cyclone case relative to the opposite end. Accordingly, when the plate 32 is formed in a circular shape and disposed at the center, the annular spacing between the upper end and the lower end becomes larger than the annular spacing at the center portion not arranged vertically. Alternatively, the plate 32 may be angled upward from a position adjacent to one arc of the wall 45. Alternatively or additionally, it will be appreciated that the plate need not be formed in a circular cross section. Instead, the plate may have an irregular outer surface such that the gap between the peripheral wall 32c of the plate and the inner surface of the wall 45 of the cyclone case changes.

It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the plate 32 may be secured to the bottom 31 of the cyclone case. Alternatively, the plate 32 may be attached to the inner surface 56 of the wall 45 of the cyclone case (see, eg, FIGS. 6G and 6H).

In a variant, instead of the plate 32, for example, the center portion (center portion 27e of FIG. 7D and center portion 55 of FIG. 7) of the bottom 31 of the cyclone case may be raised inward to form a plateau portion. It may be. The lift floor 55 may be generally vertical and extend downwardly adjacent the perimeter of the lift floor 27e to form a sidewall extending upward from the floor 52a of the cyclone container to the lift floor 27e. For example, it may be provided with the continuous wall 27b of FIG. 7D. Alternatively, the side wall 27b may be formed concave below the rising floor. The side wall may have any of the configurations described above for the peripheral edge 32c of the plate 32. In addition, the rising floor may have a circular cross section. However, the cross section of the floor may be varied to form a variable annular spacing between the inner surface 56 and the side wall of the wall 45 of the cyclone case.

Positioning of divider plate for cyclone separator

According to another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, it is preferable that all or part of the outwardly extending passageway connects the cyclone chamber 53 to communicate with the dust collection chamber 52. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6E, the cyclone chamber includes a fluid outlet conduit 27, the lower end of the fluid outlet conduit 27 having a fluid outlet conduit 27 disposed above the plate 32. May include an inlet 27a. The inlet to fluid outlet conduit 27 may be covered by a screen, such as screen 28. If there is a gap between the plate 32 and the lower extension of the fluid outlet conduit 27 or the screen 28, this gap is greater than 0.5 in, preferably greater than 1 in, more preferably greater than 2 in. It may be large. In any of these embodiments, the lower extension of the fluid outlet conduit 27 is preferably disposed below the bottom of the cyclone inlet 21. The passageway forms a vertical annular gap having a height that may be less than 2 inches, preferably less than 1 inch. In some embodiments, the height is less than 1/3, preferably less than 1/6, more preferably less than 1/10, most preferably 1 of the diameter of the cyclone just below the bottom of the cyclone inlet 21. It may be less than / 20.

It will be appreciated that the passage may be formed in various ways. For example, the outer periphery of the cyclone case may be enlarged to approximate the height of the raised floor to create an outer annular area that functions as a dust collection chamber. An example configuration is provided in which a passage 61 having a vertical annular spacing g and a predetermined length RO is provided between the raised bottom wall 55 of the cyclone separator 20 and the laterally extending wall 59b. 7 is shown. In this embodiment, the plate (rising floor 55) is formed stepped with respect to the floor 59a of the cyclone separator 20.

A variant configuration in which a passage 61 having a vertical annular spacing g is formed between the wall 59b of the cyclone separator 20 and the plate 54 is shown in FIG. 7A. The plate may be a molded part, or a gap g is formed between the wall 59b of the cyclone separator 20 and the plate 54, which plate 54 extends inwardly from the wall 57a or is an example. For example, the wall may be formed by a support arm 58 attached to any screen member (not shown) detachably attached or mounted to the wall 57a, the wall 45 and the top or a combination configuration of the cyclone. 57a). Such plate 54 may optionally be held in place by other means or magnets described elsewhere herein.

Another alternative configuration is shown in FIG. 7B in which a passage 61 with a vertical annular spacing g is formed between the rising bottom 55 and the wall 59b of the cyclone separator 20. Particle collecting regions 62 are formed in the annular space between the wall 59 and the wall 60. One advantage of this structure is that the cyclone may be oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the cyclone extends in the horizontal direction such that particulate matter may accumulate in the capture region 62.

In FIG. 7C, another variant of the plate 32, in which a passage 61 with a vertical annular spacing g, is formed between the air flow re-guiding ring 64 of the cyclone separator 20 and the plate 63. The configuration is shown. In this embodiment, the plate comprises, for example, a disk attached to the cyclone separator floor 59 of the cyclone separator 20. The particle capture area is indicated by the reference numeral 66 . The air flow redirecting ring forms an angle A with the wall 65, preferably 15 ° to 75 °, more preferably 30 ° to 60 °, most preferably 40 ° to 50 °. It should be understood that the air flow redirecting ring 64 can take on different geometries as indicated by the reference numerals 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , or 72 .

In FIG. 7D, another variant configuration for the cyclone and dust collection area is shown, in which air emerges from the end of the cyclone opposite the end of the cyclone separator 20 having the inlet 21. When the cyclone separator is aligned in the vertical direction, air enters the cyclone through the air inlet 21 located at the top of the cyclone separator 20. The cyclone circulation 23 removes at least a portion of the particles 24 in the particle containing fluid stream 22 and is captured within the capture region 66a of the cyclone separator 20. The fluid flow 26 exits the cyclone and enters a downflow tube 27c disposed at the bottom of the cyclone separator 20 at the opposite end of the inlet 21 through the outlet or inlet 27a. Therefore, a part of the particles 24 originally entrained in the particle-containing fluid 22 are removed. In this embodiment, the air moves to the downstream flow guide means 64a and then downwards toward the laterally extending wall 27e. The air then moves outwards in the passage 61 between the side wall 27e with the vertical annular spacing g2 and the flow guide means 64a.

The height of the passageway may be less than one third of the diameter, preferably less than 1/6, more preferably less than 1/10, most preferably less than 1/20. Accordingly, the height may be 2 in or less, preferably 1 in or less. In certain preferred embodiments, the height of the gap g is preferably between 0.015 in and 0.250 in for cyclones with a diameter D greater than 1 in, especially when used in a vacuum cleaner. The radial overlap length RO defining the length of the passage 61 is defined by the overlap of the outer extension 59b of the wall 59 of the cyclone separator and / or the flow guide means and the raised bottom floor or plate. Preferably, this radial overlap length is between 0.015 in and 0.250 in for cyclones with a diameter D greater than 1 in. Preferably, the height of the gap g is from 0.002 in. To 0.040 in. For a cyclone whose diameter D is less than 1 in. Such that the raised floor floor 55 extends slightly below the bottom 59b of the wall 59. Extends outward. More preferably, the radial overlap length between the bottom 59b of the wall 59 and the radially outer edge of the raised floor 55 is 0.005 in. To 0.125 in. For a cyclone having a diameter D of 1 in or less. In the variant illustrated in FIG. 7D, it has been found that the spacing g2 is preferably between 0.025 in and 0.075 in for a cyclone with a diameter D greater than 1 in to capture particles of 4 microns to 100 microns in size. It has been found that the spacing g2 is preferably between 0.005 in and 0.040 in, more preferably between 0.015 in and 0.025 in for cyclones with a diameter D of less than 1 in to capture particles from 0.1 microns to 10 microns in size. .

In addition, it is understood that the dimensions of the spacing g and the radial overlap length may vary depending on the approximately outer circumferential length of the raised bottom wall 55 to achieve optimum conditions for collecting particles of a range or size of density. Will be.

The distance between the floor of the dust collection area and the bottom of the flow guide means 64a is preferably not smaller than the height H2 of the inlet, and the height of the section 27c is preferably larger than 2H, more preferably higher than 4H. Larger, most preferably greater than 8H, and the spacing g3 between the top of the downflow pipe section 27c and the bottom of the inlet 21 is preferably between 0.5H2 and 1.5H2, more preferably approximately 0.9H2. to be. The inner area of the downstream flow pipe 27c is preferably at least equal to the area of the spiral inlet 21, more preferably 1.5 to 2.5 times larger than the area of the spiral inlet 21. This cyclone structure may be formed with an air flow as may be formed by reference numeral 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71, or 72 or any similar shape, which forms a recapture barrier of particles 24 captured in region 66a. It is also possible to optionally include the re-guiding means 64a.

The height of the gap g2 is preferably 0.002 in. To 0.040 in. For a cyclone whose diameter D is less than 1 in. The radial overlap between the air flow re-guiding ring 64a and the edge of the downstream flow pipe 27b. The length RO2 is preferably 0.005 in. To 0.125 in. For a cyclone having a diameter D of 1 in or less. In addition, the dimensions of the gap g2 and the radial overlap length RO2 may be changed to approximately the outer circumferential length of the downstream flow pipe 27b to create an optimal condition for collecting particles of a predetermined range of sizes or densities. Should be understood.

In a variant, the cyclone separator 20 with passages 61 has particles in the outlet conduit from the combustion chamber, preferably downstream of the outlet of the wood stove, furnace, automobile engine and gas generating unit (partial oxidation reactor). It may be used as a filter.

Movable Split Plate for Cyclone Separator

According to another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, the plate 32 may be permanently, detachably, translationally moveable or pivotable to the screen 28 or the side wall 45. It will be appreciated that in an attached manner, it may be permanently, detachably, translationally moveable or pivotally attached to the cyclone separator 20.

Plate 32 may be held in place by a magnet and / or the magnet may be used to aid in particle capture. For example, the plate 32 may have one or more magnets provided thereon, such positioning magnets having a plate with the surface of the positioning magnet facing the plate 32 spaced apart from the positioning magnet. It may be disposed above and / or below plate 32 to have the same polarity as the surface of magnet (s) on 32. Accordingly, the plate 32 may be held in place by the repulsive magnetic force. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the plate may be held in place by the traction magnetic force.

In FIG. 6E, a plate magnet 46 is attached to the plate 47 or embedded in the plate 47 and the plate magnet 46 is magnetically placed between the positioning magnets 48 and 49 by the repulsive magnetic force. The suspended configuration is illustrated. The magnet 49 may be attached to the floor 50 of the cyclone separator 20 or embedded in the floor 50. One advantage of this configuration is that the magnets 46, 48, and 49 generate a magnetic field inside the cyclone chamber, improving the capturing ability of the magnetic particles and the paramagnetic particles.

When the floor 50 is detachable or movable (e.g., pivotally mounted by the pivot hinge 50a or the like as shown in FIG. 2A), when the dust collection chamber 52 is opened (e.g., For example, when the floor is pivoted open, the plate 47 may be detached (e.g., if the plate is not attached to the cyclone separator by some means, the plate is detached and falls off), or the plate is mechanical If not constrained (not shown), the plate 47 is in a vertical direction to facilitate removal of particles trapped in the cyclone chamber 51 above the plate 47 and in the dust collection area 52 below the plate 47. Can be translated laterally or in both directions over a distance.

Similarly, an upper positioning magnet 48 is associated with the screen, such as attached to or embedded in a screen (not shown) and the screen is separated through the outlet conduit 27 or with the outlet conduit 27. In this case, the plate 47 may be separated, or if the plate is mechanically constrained (not shown), the plate may remove particles trapped in both the main collecting area 51 and the dust collecting area 52. It can be translated in a vertical direction, laterally or over some distance in both directions to facilitate the. Alternatively, the plate 32 may be movable when the door, for example the bottom opening door 50, is pivoted open, for example about the pivot hinge 50a. Thus, the plate 32 is formed by means known in the art, for example by the pivot hinge 158 (see FIGS. 6G and 6H) of the inner surface of the wall 45 of the dust collection chamber 52 ( 56). The plate 32 may be supported in a generally horizontal position or other predetermined position by a strut 160 extending upward from the door 50. If the door 50 is opened in such a way as to push the button to move the lever 164 outwards to disengage the flange 166 and also by any means known in the art, the plate 32 is for example It may also be pivoted downward to an inclined or generally parallel position as illustrated with respect to the axis of the cyclone separator.

It will be appreciated that plate 47 may be a plate of a type including, but not limited to, the configuration as described in FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D. It will also be appreciated that a cyclone geometry with an upper inlet or sidewall inlet may be employed in this configuration. It will be appreciated that the traction magnetic force for other magnets or for magnetic force transmissible materials such as steel may also be used to movably or detachably secure the plate 47 in place. In addition, a single positioning magnet generates a repulsion or traction to force the plate 47 against a fixed stop, a detachable stop, or a movable stop, thereby permanently placing the plate 47 in place, It will be appreciated that it may be used to be movable or detachably secured. The advantage of mounting the magnet is that the cleaning of the unit can be considerably facilitated by the translational movement of the plate 47 to facilitate the removal of trapped particles.

Magnetic separation

According to another aspect, which may be used individually or in combination with other aspects, one or more magnets may be provided in the air flow passages to assist in the pulling and confinement of metallic particles and paramagnetic particles. For example, one or more magnets may be provided adjacent the inlet or outlet of the cyclone or inside the inlet or outlet. Alternatively or additionally, it will be appreciated that one or more magnets may be provided in the cyclone chamber or at any desired location outside the cyclone chamber or air flow passage, such that a magnetic field may be generated inside the cyclone chamber or air flow passage.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, one or more magnets may be removably attached to the plate 47, the cyclone separator 20 and / or the air flow passage. When the magnet is separated, the accumulated magnetic particles may fall off from any surface to which it has been magnetically attached and / or may be removed by mechanical means. Thus, separating the magnets helps to clean the cyclone separator.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6F, the cyclone separator 20 may include a magnet 49 attached to the floor 50 and optionally to a wall (not shown) to assist in the collection of metallic and magnetic particles. And the magnet 49 can be translated or separated in the opposite direction from the floor 50 so that magnetic influences can be excluded, and the floor 50 or the inlet / outlet parts are separated and the contents of the cyclone The trapped particles in the cyclone separator 20 can be easily removed in such a way as to follow.

Cyclone separator array

According to yet another aspect, which may be used individually or in combination with other aspects, a cyclone array is provided. With reference to FIG. 8, a plurality of parallel cyclones 73 is provided, which may be formed in any configuration known in the art or in any of the configurations described herein, wherein these plurality of parallel cyclones 73 are provided. ) Is preferably designed and configured to achieve high air flow rates and high separation efficiency with minimal back pressure. Preferably, the array comprises a plurality of cyclones 73 parallel to each other. In particular, the array can have more than one cyclone per square inch, preferably more than four cyclones per square inch, more preferably at least nine per square inch, to achieve high air flow rates and high separation efficiency even for very small particles. It may also include a cyclone. If the array is designed to separate particles smaller than 1 micron, it is preferable to use 9 to 64 density cyclones per square inch. Such an array may be useful for use as a motor front filter and / or a motor rear filter of a vacuum cleaner or breathing mask. For example, such an array may be disposed in the motor front region 16 (see FIG. 2).

Alternatively or additionally, the cyclone array may be formed in various configurations that can increase the efficiency of the cyclone array or increase the miniaturization of the cyclone array. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 8A, the configuration of the cyclone array is characterized by some cyclone, preferably as shown in FIG. 8A, where three cyclones 74, 75, and 76 are shown inside the array 73. Common walls can be employed between the entire cyclones, some of which overlap in areas 77 and 78 to have fairly compact geometries. Alternatively or additionally, in the configuration of the cyclone array 73, a contact wall may be employed between some cyclones, preferably between the entire cyclones. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, three cyclones 79, 80, and 81 are arranged so that their walls contact at positions 82 and 83, achieving a stronger configuration with fewer cyclones. Alternatively or additionally, spaced apart cyclone walls, such as shown in FIG. 8C where the cyclones 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 are spaced from each other, may be employed in the construction of the cyclone array 73 to facilitate molding. It may be. The advantage of spacing the cyclones is that as the air moves (e.g. rotates) into the cyclone inlet opposite each inlet directly connected to the fluid flow conduit of the individual cyclone (e.g. all cyclone inlets) In the space between the cyclones 84, 85, 86, 87 and 88, where an additional particle capture can occur. When the common bottom 90 between the cyclones 84 and 85 and other cyclones shown in FIG. 8D is moved to the bottom 91 of the cyclone, the capacity of the annular space 89 for the collection of fine particles is increased. Preferably, the cyclone arrays described in FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are constructed using one or more configurations described in FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D. .

If a cyclone array is provided, it is desirable to clean the cyclone by allowing water to pass through the cyclone. Accordingly, at least one water injection port may be provided to allow water to enter and exit the cyclone array. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the water injection port 114 may be provided with a closureable lid or other closure member 116. Water injection port 114 is preferably provided on top surface 108 and is in communication with a fluid flow passage extending into the cyclone (eg, a dirty air flow passage in a vacuum cleaner extending into the cyclone inlet). The inlet is preferably located downstream of the header 130 and a water injection port 114 is provided in the header. When the lid 116 is open, the user can pour water into the infusion port 114. Water flows through the passage into the cyclone. The user can use the handle 118 to remove the lid, for example, through a rotational motion. Thereafter, for example, the button 122 moves the lever outward so that the bottom door 120 is pivoted and opened so that water and floating dust can be removed by passing downwards out the bottom of the cyclone 9 of the cleaning stage. Water can also be drained by pressing (see, eg, FIG. 20).

According to this aspect, a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other may be provided having at least two dust collection chambers and in which the at least two dust collection chambers are emptied simultaneously. For example, the dust collection chamber may have a common floor 120 that can be opened. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 20, each cyclone has a dust collection chamber, and all the dust collection chambers have a common single door so that all chambers are emptied simultaneously by opening this single door. For example, in an embodiment of any of FIGS. 9, 9A, 10, 11, 11A, 12, 13, and 14, the bottom 120 (not shown) is a cyclone of all cyclones. It may be pivotally mounted to the circumferential wall 92 to be emptied at the same time.

The surface cleaning device may have two cleaning stages, one of which, preferably the second cleaning stage, comprises a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another. The other cleaning stage, preferably the first cleaning stage, may be any filtration member or dust collection member known in the art. In another aspect, the surface cleaning apparatus may comprise only one cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other, the plurality of cyclones being a single unit, preferably with associated dust collection chamber (s). It will be appreciated that they can be separated together.

According to this aspect, it is preferred that two cyclone stages are provided, at least one comprising a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another and emptying separately from one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the second cyclonic cleaning stage 8 comprising a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another may be separated from the vacuum cleaner 1, while the first stage cyclone 7 is provided. Is held in place in the vacuum cleaner 1. The second cyclonic cleaning stage is preferably slidably on the flange 126 housed in the L-shaped member 128 provided on the bottom panel of the stage 8 constituting the swinging door 120. It may be mounted. Thus, when the second cyclone cleaning stage 8 is separated by sliding in the direction of the arrow A, for example, by moving the cleaning stage to the trash and pressing the button 122 to open the door 120. The second stage cyclone 9 may be emptied. Any locking member known in the art secures the second cyclonic cleaning stage 8 in place on the vacuum cleaner, while connecting the cyclone array 156 in air flow communication with the individual passageways of the surface cleaning device. It can also be used to. For example, the cyclone array may be sealed in place by angular seals, lifting instruments or other sealing means known in the art. It will be appreciated that this configuration can only be used if the vacuum cleaner has only one cyclonic cleaning stage.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first cyclonic stage 7 and the second cyclonic stage 8 may be separated from the vacuum cleaner 1 at the same time. The cyclonic stage 7 may be emptied, for example, later by opening the bottom swing door 50. The cyclone stages 7, 8 may be first or continuously separated in such a way as to rotate the cyclone stage 8 relative to the cyclone stage 7 in the direction of the arrow B as shown in FIG. 19. It may be. The second stage 8 may then be emptied. It will be appreciated that these stages 7, 8 may be emptied in any particular manner known in the art, such as a dust collection chamber or a bottom swing door that separates from the cyclone chamber.

According to the aforementioned aspect of the invention, the cyclone array is preferably separated as a sealing unit rather than a fluid flow passage extending into and out of the cyclone. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the air exiting the first stage cyclone 7 moves upwardly from the outlet conduit 27, through the opening 150 in the bottom 120, to the header 130. It is located upstream of and travels to one or more openings 148 (see FIG. 20) at the bottom of the second cyclonic cleaning stage 8, which are connected to the header 130 by conduits. Air travels through the cyclone 9 and then out of the second cyclone 9 through the outlet 13 to the header 136 and then to the downflow pipe 138, where the downflow pipe 138 Located upstream of the conduit 14 and exits the second cyclonic stage 8 through the opening 152 of the bottom 120. Thus, when the second stage 8 is separated from the vacuum cleaner and / or the first stage, the bottom 140 of the downflow tube 138 and one or more openings of the bottom of the second cyclonic cleaning stage 8 are excluded. The second end 8 is sealed. Such arrays may have filters that are separable together.

As another separation method illustrated according to the embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21, the cyclone array 156 is opened upon opening while the housing 154 of the second cyclonic stage 8 is pivotally mounted to the bottom 120. It may be pulled downward to the outside of the housing 154 so that it can be emptied. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the top of the housing 154 may be pivoted upwards or otherwise opened to allow the cyclone array 156 to be pulled upwards out of the housing 154. It will be appreciated that when the cyclone array 156 is preferably formed as a sealing unit, a bottom opening panel may be provided in which the holes are aligned with the conduits 138 and 146. In a variant, the housing 154 may be pivoted upwards, leaving the cyclone array 156 in place on top of the first stage cyclone 7 (or other filtering or housing member). The consumer may then pick up and detach the cyclone array using a handle or the like to empty the cyclone array 156. It will be appreciated that this structure can be used when the vacuum cleaner has only one cyclonic cleaning stage.

Mass transfer between cyclone stages

According to yet another aspect, which may be used individually or in combination with other aspects, the plurality of cyclones may be adapted to be transported to another cyclone in such a way that the material separated by one cyclone is introduced into a fluid flow stream moving to another cyclone. It is composed. One example of such a device is shown in FIG. 15. As shown, fluid flow ducts 1501 branch into ducts 1502 and 1503, which in turn extend to cyclones 1504 and 1505. The fluid flowing inside the duct 1501 continuously or periodically includes one or more kinds of particles or other materials 1512 to be removed from the fluid flow stream. The cyclone separator 1504 or 1505 may be any cyclone separator known in the art or a combination of these cyclone separators, but is not limited to a cyclone with an inlet at the top, a cyclone with an inlet at the sidewall, a bottom It may be any individual cyclone structure as described herein, or a combination of these cyclones, including cyclones with plates and plates in an inverted state for the inlet at. Optionally, the particles 1512 trapped in the cyclone separator 1504 are continuously or periodically transferred to the duct 1501 and / or the duct 1503 by means 1514, so that most of the time is passed over time. Due to the limited efficiency of the cyclones 1505 and 1504, the particles are trapped in the cyclone 1505 except that they have passed through the optional particle separation member 1510. Optionally, the air outlet 1506 from the cyclone 1504 passes through the duct 1507 to an optional particle separation member 1510 adjacent to the intake source 1511.

One advantage of this configuration is that, for example, when used in a vacuum cleaner, emptying the vacuum cleaner by allowing the user to empty a single container by particle movement from the cyclone 1504 to the cyclone 1505. Is to simplify.

In a variant, the collected material may be conveyed to the vessel 1513. Such container 1513 may be reusable or disposable, and may be formed of one or more organic or inorganic polymers, rubber, plastic, paper, cardboard, glass or metal, or any combination thereof, bags, boxes It may be formed in any other closed or semi-closed form for easy disposal or transfer of particles in bottles, jars, containers or other uses or operations. Thus, an advantage of this variant is that a single instrument that is automated in a manner controlled by the particle transport means 1515 may be used to continuously or periodically transport the collected particles 1512 into the vessel 1513. .

The vessel 1513 may optionally be completely or partially closed or sealed by the user's operation, or optionally automated by the mechanism of the system when the user initiates or performs the release or detachment of the vessel 1513. It will be appreciated that it may be partially or completely closed or sealed in a manner. The container 1513 is preferably designed to receive most or all of the particles 1512. The vessel 1513 or portions of the vessel 1513 need not be formed so that gas or liquid can pass through them, and optionally promote the inflow and / or discharge of the fluid to provide chlorine gas, ozone gas, pure oxygen or other chemicals. To facilitate disinfection of the container 1513 and / or its contents, optionally to facilitate compaction of the container 1513 and / or its contents by the release of gas, and / or the container 1513 and It will be understood that it may be porous or may comprise a porous region or a porous member to facilitate microbial degradation of its contents.

The particle conveying means 1514 may be constituted by a door mechanism which is periodically opened to cause the particles 1512 to fall into the area drawn out into the duct 1501 and / or the duct 1503, and during the dropping of the particles, the suction source ( 1511 may be turned off or may be blocked to have no effect on cyclone separator 1504 by valve 1516 or the like. Alternatively, the particle conveying means 1514 may comprise a rotating member similar to a rotating door disposed vertically, horizontally, or at any angle, which rotating member continuously or periodically particles 1512 into a predetermined area. ) And particles from the predetermined area are transported into duct member 1501 and / or duct member 1503 through duct members 1518 and 1517, respectively, by gravity or by a mechanism such as a screw or plunger, The suction source 1511 may be turned off during the transport of such particles or may be selectively blocked to have no effect on the cyclone separator 1504 by an optional member such as a valve 1516.

The particle transfer means 1515 may be the same as or different from the particle transfer means 1514 which transfers the particles 1512 to the vessel 1513 by the duct member 1519, during which the suction source 1511 It may be turned off or may be optionally blocked by an optional member, such as valve 1520, to have no effect on cyclone separator 1505.

Alternatively, the particle transport means 1514 and 1515 each comprise a door which is opened and closed periodically by the user's motion, by the vibration plate, or by the vibration plate in combination with the valve or the door.

The particle transfer operation from the cyclones 1504 and 1505 may be performed continuously, may be performed in a periodically automated manner, or may be turned on or off in response to particle levels within the vessel 1513 or within the cyclone. May be actuated in response to a sensor, or may be actuated by user interaction with the system, such as by attempting to detach the cyclone 1505, by an optional vessel 1513, or by powering on the system. It will be appreciated that it may be performed by turning on / off, or by a combination of one or more of these methods.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to a cyclone array or group and that 1504 and 1505 represent a plurality of cyclones parallel to one another rather than a single cyclone.

Two or more cyclones, wherein the optional particle separation member 1510 comprises a single cyclone, a plurality of parallel cyclones, two or more cyclones connected in series with each other, and a plurality of parallel cyclones, with a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other Wherein each individual cyclone of the upstream array of parallel cyclones is comprised of two or more cyclones in fluid communication with a single cyclone of a downstream array of cyclones parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of cyclones parallel to each other; Two or more cyclones in which individual cyclones of the upstream array of cyclones parallel to each other are in fluid flow communication in series with at least two (eg preferably two) cyclones of the downstream array of cyclones parallel to each other Provided that they are parallel to each other A fibrous medium, fibrous filtration medium having at least one downstream stage cyclone with an adhesive or surface treatment agent applied to assist in the capture or confinement of fine particles, each cyclone of the upstream array comprising two cyclones and parallel to each other It will be appreciated that there may be more than one cyclonic single in fluid flow communication in series with the supplying manifold or liquid bath through which the fluid flow must pass.

In addition, an optional particle separation member 1510 may be arranged to be physically adjacent to the suction source 1511, or may be connected to the suction source 1511 by a duct or passageway that may include one or more bends. It will be appreciated that it may. It will also be appreciated that the outlet of the cyclone may pass through the bottom or sidewall of the cyclone or a combination thereof. Also, from the floor nozzle of a vacuum cleaner or other floor cleaning device, from the scavenger or hose of the vacuum cleaner or other cleaning device, from the air in the room, from the fluid to which one or more sizes or types of particles should be separated It will be appreciated that the fluid flow duct 1501 may be moved from another source similar to that described above with reference to the particle separation member 1510 or from a liquid bath through which the fluid flow must pass.

A variant of a plurality of cyclones configured to be transported to another cyclone in such a way that the material separated by one cyclone is introduced into a fluid flow stream moving to another cyclone is illustrated in FIG. 15A. 15A shows a fluid flow duct 1501 extending to the cyclone separator 1505. The fluid flowing in the duct 1501 continuously or periodically includes one or more kinds of particles or other material 1512 to be removed from the fluid flow stream. Cyclone separator 1504 may be configured in series with the cyclone separator downstream of cyclone separator 1505 to more efficiently capture finer particles.

Particles 1512 collected in the cyclone separator 1504 are continuously or periodically transported into the duct 1501 by the means 1514 so that more particles are collected in the cyclone 1505 over time.

The particle transport means 1514 is operated in exactly the same manner as described above with respect to FIG. 15, except that it is only supplied into the fluid flow duct 1501 by the duct member 1518. The particle transfer means 1515 has the exception that the actuating valve 1516 is used to selectively block the effect of the suction source 1511 on the cyclone 1505 as the cyclones 1504 and 1505 are connected in series. Is operated in exactly the same manner as described above with respect to FIG.

The air outlet 1506 from the cyclone 1504 extends through the duct 1507 to an optional particle separation member 1510 adjacent to the intake source 1511. It will also be appreciated that an optional particle separation member 1510a may also be provided adjacent the outlet of the suction source 1511. It will be appreciated that these members 1510 and 1510a may be selectively separated together for cleaning and disposed mechanically adjacent to each other. It will be appreciated that the optional particle separation member 1510 or 1510a may be the same as described with respect to FIG. 15.

Further, in the present invention, the optional particle separation member 1510 or 1510a may be connected to the suction source by a duct or passageway which may be physically adjacent to the suction source 1511 or may include one or more bends. It will be appreciated that it may. It will also be appreciated that the outlet of the cyclone may pass through the bottom or sidewall of the cyclone or a combination thereof.

It will also be appreciated that the fluid flow duct 1501 may extend from any source as described with reference to FIG. 15.

In addition, in the present invention, the cyclone separators 1504 and 1505 may each represent a single cyclone or a plurality of parallel cyclones, and the present invention provides that the number of cyclones or cyclones in which the particles 1512 are less than the total number of cyclones or cyclone stages. It will be appreciated that it may be applied to more than two consecutive cyclones to be collected in a stage. It will also be appreciated that 1510 or 1510a may achieve a structure that minimizes energy loss in the connecting duct since it is itself a plurality of cyclones mounted on a wall or part of a wall of a larger cyclone. It will also be appreciated that the structure described in FIGS. 15 and 15A can be configured to remove nano-sized particles and live virus particles.

Transparent plastic sections

According to yet another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, the surface cleaning device has a plurality of cyclones 9 parallel to each other with at least one dust collection chamber 52, with a maximum filling At least a portion of the dust collection chamber below the location (which may be the maximum charging line indicated on the housing) is transparent.

For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the second stage cyclone has a dust collection chamber 52, each having a transparent outer wall 100. In addition, the cyclone chamber 102 has a transparent outer wall 104. The second stage cyclone 9 is provided inside a case or housing having a transparent side wall 106 and an upper wall 108. If a portion of the sidewall 106 outside the maximum charge line of the dust collection chamber 52 is transparent, the user will be able to see the maximum charge line or position to determine when to empty the dust collection chamber 52 of the second stage. Will be. As illustrated, each second-stage cyclone and second-stage cyclone housing may be made of transparent plastic (plastic that may be shaded or tinted but visible to the user), and some may be labeled or It will be appreciated that it may be obscured by the coating to make it appear opaque. If the user can see that the dust collection chamber (s) 52 are full, the user is provided with a visible signal that indicates that the second stage cyclone should be cleaned or emptied. This structure is particularly advantageous in the case where the plurality of cyclones 9 have a plurality of dust collection chambers 52 associated therewith, preferably in the case where each cyclone 9 has an associated dust collection chamber 52, And in particular, when the cyclone 9 is emptied separately from other cleaning stages.

Alternatively or additionally, filter 112 (eg, foam, HEPA, etc.) may be provided in at least some transparent housing 110, which may be visible or visually manufactured. Preferably, all the housings 110 are made of transparent plastic. This allows the user to know when the filter 112 is dirty and needs to be cleaned or replaced. Preferably, housing 110 is a motor front filter. Thus, for example, a housing 112 may be provided in the motor front region 16. Thus, after the cyclone cleaning unit 6 is removed, the user can see the housing 110, for example the top of the housing. However, it will be appreciated that the filter 112 not provided in the cyclone chamber may be seen through the transparent sidewall of the vacuum cleaner or the housing 110 if the door provided in the vacuum cleaner is opened. An advantage of using the housing is that the consumer does not have to touch the filter 112 when removing the filter 112 from the vacuum cleaner.

It will be appreciated that one or more filters (eg, foams) are separable with the cyclone array 156, and these filters may be provided in some or all of the transparent housings.

Usage

In addition, it will be appreciated that any or all embodiments may be used individually or in combination or subcombination form. In addition to applications such as surface cleaning appliances and other household appliances and breathing masks, these embodiments may be used alone or in combination for other applications.

For example, the cyclonic embodiment described herein is a sweeper, sweeper with suction function, vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner, upright vacuum, to pick up unwanted particles and remove these unwanted particles from the air. Cleaners, wet / dry vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, carpet shampooers, carpet cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, knapsack vacuum cleaners, car-mounted vacuum cleaners, or other types of vacuum cleaners or extractors It may also be used with a fan or other air movement means to form.

Alternatively, the cyclonic embodiments described herein can be used to provide air from computer, electronic equipment, or mechanical equipment to protect the computer or equipment from particles that may damage or impair their functionality. It may also be applied to the outlet and / or the inlet for cooling air.

 Cyclone embodiments described herein also include air purifiers, air purifiers, suspended particle capture systems, fans with particle capture systems, automotive cabin air filters, to capture unwanted particles from the air stream. It will be appreciated that it may be used with a fan or other air movement means to form a heating system, cooling system or ventilation system.

It will also be appreciated that the cyclonic embodiments described herein may be used with fans or other air moving means to form filter masks for trapping unwanted particles from the air stream. A filter mask composed of a cyclone described herein or a filter mask composed of any cyclone known in the art can filter human inhaled air, spitting air or all of its air to isolate a person from the surrounding environment. It may be designed to form a portable means. Alternatively, a small fan may be used to reduce the pressure that must be applied to the human lung when inhaling and / or exhaling air through cyclonic means.

It will also be appreciated that the cyclonic embodiments described herein may be used with a fluid transfer device to form means for removing unwanted particles from the fluid. Cyclone embodiments described herein are arranged in a duct extending to the fluid moving member, directly adjacent to the duct, or at a distance from the duct to protect the fluid moving member from the particles and to remove the particles. May be Cyclone embodiments described herein may, alternatively or additionally, be disposed in a duct that extends to the fluid moving member, directly adjacent to the duct, or at a distance from the duct so that the fluid moving member can enter the fluid flow. And may be configured to protect equipment downstream of the fluid movement member from the particle which may be present. The locations of the cyclonic embodiments described herein may be mechanically arranged to be separated together for cleaning or repair.

In addition, the cyclonic invention described herein is intended to reduce particle emissions from any type of burners used for heating in rooms and for heating of water, and exhaust gases from industrial processes, exhaust from internal combustion engines. It will be appreciated that it may be used to remove emissions of gases, exhaust gases from external combustion engines, and exhaust gases from turbine engines. Cyclone embodiments described herein provide a particle release inducing device that must be placed and operated in a duct extending from or to the source, immediately adjacent to the duct, or at a distance from the duct. It may also be configured to protect. Cyclone embodiments described herein may alternatively or additionally be disposed in ducts extending from the particle source to protect the source downstream equipment and the environment from particles that the source may introduce during the exhaust stream. .

The advantages of the multistage cyclonic separation means described herein are produced so that the vacuum cleaners, filter masks or other devices mentioned herein can selectively reach HEPA or ULPA separation levels without the use of filters. It can be.

The cyclonic separation means employed in this way can be cleaned and / or discarded or a combination thereof.

Optional fluid flow motor

The fan means used in any aspect of the present invention may be a two to ten stage fan system operated with one or more motors arranged in series or in parallel, wherein the fans may also be propellers, impellers, Tesla turbines. It may also be a known Prandtl bed turbine, or a combination thereof.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner may be powered by a Stirling engine, a steam engine, or an internal combustion engine, which may optionally be powered by electricity supplied from a wall outlet or battery. It may be operated with hydrogen gas produced or produced by a chemical reaction or optionally withdrawn from the storage vessel. An option may be provided for manually or automatically switching the hydrogen source to apply vacuum pressure from one source to another. It will be appreciated that hydrogen powered devices, including surface cleaning devices, and other devices for indoor use may be operated using any structure known in the art.

When an appliance, for example a surface cleaning device, preferably a vacuum cleaner, is connected to the electrical outlet, hydrogen generated by electricity may be used to power the surface cleaning device. All or part of the hydrogen may be stored for cordless operation. It will be appreciated that some hydrogen may be used in the way that is generated to operate the device. Such hydrogen powered surface cleaning apparatus may be used alone or in conjunction with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Generating hydrogen by electricity is a preferred method of operation if a vacuum cleaner is connected to the cord but is not in use. Contemplated storage means are any means known in the art and include, but are not limited to, pressurized storage means, storage means in the form of metal hybrids, or other adsorbent storage means. Stored hydrogen may be produced by fuel reforming, chemical reactions, or electrolysis. Alternatively or additionally, a central hydrogen generator may be provided that charges a small portable "vessel" that is connected to the air cleaning device.

Adhesive member

It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, an adhesive material such as agar or pectin or a rubber based adhesive may be applied to all or part of the inner surface of the cyclone separator 20 to assist in the capture and confinement of the fine particles. . For example, the adhesive may be applied to the inside and outside of the downflow tubes 27b and 27c and / or plate 32, which section may be discarded or replaced with a cleaning component with fresh adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive or microfilament may be incorporated to assist in the capture of particles, hair or fibers into the net used to construct the screen 28. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that if screen 28 comprises an adhesive material, screen 28 is disposable.

This embodiment is particularly useful for cyclone separators in which small amounts of fine particles are trapped in the second stage, third stage, or fourth stage, or other series of stages of the multistage cyclone separator. Alternatively or additionally, the plate may be formed or coated with a fibrous material, such as a microfilament, to help confine dust in the cyclone case. It will be appreciated that according to this embodiment the plate may be disposable.

Water mist

According to yet another aspect, which may be used separately or in combination with other aspects, the water mist produced by atomization in an electrostatic and / or mechanical manner, preferably contains particles which are not collected. It may be placed upstream of the cyclonic embodiment described herein or any cyclonic separation means known in the art to form humidifying means that are cyclonically removed from the fluid flow stream. Optionally, one or more or combinations of the cyclonic embodiments described herein, or any cyclonic separation means known in the art, can be used to prevent contamination of suspended particles in the air or otherwise in a mist source. It may be arranged upstream of the mist source so as not to disturb the operation of the.

Unvaporized water may be recycled through a filter system and / or an ozone disinfection system and an oxidation system and / or an ultraviolet disinfection system before being reused in the atomization process. If ozone water is used to generate the mist, the downstream cyclone separator may remove air ozone water droplets from the air stream since air disinfection may occur prior to use.

In addition, ozone gas may be introduced into the air stream to oxidize contaminants, disinfect airborne particles upstream, and downstream cyclone separators to remove oxidized particles, optionally in electrostatic and / or mechanical atomization It will be appreciated that ozone gas may be trapped in the water droplets if the mist source of is used and this droplet may be removed by a downstream cyclone separator.

This improved configuration may be used in a single application or may be used individually or in subcombination form. In particular, improvements in cyclone and cyclone array structures may be used in a single application, or may be used individually or in subcombination form. For example, one or more improved configurations may be used for a single vacuum cleaner. The choice of this improved configuration is based on the degree of particle removal required, depending on whether the motor front filter and / or the motor rear filter are used, the magnitude of the back pressure that may be generated by the air flow path through the vacuum cleaner, the suction It may also be determined according to the power of the motor.

It will be appreciated that various modifications and variations of the embodiments known in this specification, which fall within the scope of the following claims, are possible.

Claims (38)

(a) a dirty air inlet; (b) with a handle; (c) at least a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage, the first cleaning stage having a dust collecting member and the second cleaning stage having a plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collecting chamber, A first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage configured to be empty separately from each other; And (d) A handheld vacuum cleaner comprising an air flow motor. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second cleaning stage is emptied after being separated from the first cleaning stage. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cleaning stage is separated from the vacuum cleaner alone. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second cleaning stage comprises at least one filter. The portable vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second cleaning stages are separately separable from the vacuum cleaner. The portable vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second cleaning stage is located downstream of the first cleaning stage. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning stage comprises at least one cyclone and the dust collecting member comprises a dust collecting chamber. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first cleaning stage has a capacity for storing dust while using the vacuum cleaner for a predetermined number of times of cleaning for an hour for daily household cleaning work, And said second cleaning stage has a capacity for storing dust for at least three times the predetermined number of cleaning times. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the second cleaning stage has a capacity to store dust for at least ten times the number of cleanings of the predetermined number of cleanings. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first cleaning stage and the second cleaning stage each have a storage volume, and the storage volume of the second cleaning stage is a vacuum cleaner configured for particulate matter. When used to collect material, the hand-held vacuum cleaner is selected such that every time the first cleaning stage is emptied three times, the second cleaning stage is emptied more than once. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first cleaning stage and the second cleaning stage each have a storage volume, and the storage volume of the second cleaning stage comprises a vacuum cleaner configured for particulate matter. When used to collect material, the hand-held vacuum cleaner is selected such that every time the first cleaning stage is emptied ten times, the second cleaning stage is emptied more than once. 8. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second cleaning stage has a capacity to store dust for at least one month during daily use of the vacuum cleaner. 9. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the second cleaning stage has a capacity to store dust for at least three months during daily use of the vacuum cleaner. The portable vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of dust collection chambers which are emptied at the same time. The method of claim 14, wherein each cyclone of the second cleaning stage has an associated dust collection chamber, each dust collection chamber is associated with only one cyclone, and all dust collection chambers of the second cleaning stage are simultaneously Portable vacuum cleaner to be emptied. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collection chamber are separable from the vacuum cleaner as a closing unit. 17. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 16 wherein said dust collection chamber has an openable floor. 17. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 16, wherein the second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of dust collection chambers which are emptied simultaneously. 17. The method of any of claims 1-7 and 14-16, wherein the second cleaning stage is sealed when separated from the vacuum cleaner except for fluid flow passages extending into and out of the cyclone. Handheld vacuum cleaner. 20. The portable vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which is selected from the group consisting of upright vacuum cleaners, wet / dry vacuum cleaners and canister type vacuum cleaners. 20. The portable vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a door moveable to an open position, wherein the second cleaning stage is detachable when the door is in the open position. 20. The portable vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second cleaning stage is slidable and detachable from the vacuum cleaner. The portable vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second cleaning stage is detachably mounted to the first cleaning stage. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 23, wherein the second cleaning stage is movable upward from the first cleaning stage. (a) a dust inlet; (b) with a handle; (c) at least a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage, the second cleaning stage having a plurality of cyclones and at least one dust collection chamber, except for a fluid flow passage extending into and out of the cyclone; The second cleaning stage comprises a first cleaning stage and a second cleaning stage configured to be detachable from the surface cleaning device as a sealing unit for emptying; And (d) a surface cleaning device comprising an air flow motor. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first cleaning stage and the second cleaning stage are separate from the surface cleaning apparatus, respectively. 27. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the second cleaning stage is located downstream of the first cleaning stage. 28. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the first cleaning stage comprises at least one cyclone. 29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the first cleaning stage has a capacity for storing dust while using the vacuum cleaner for a predetermined number of times of cleaning per hour for daily household cleaning tasks, And said second cleaning stage has a capacity for storing dust for at least three times the predetermined number of cleaning times. 30. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second cleaning stage has a capacity to store dust for at least one month during routine use of the surface cleaning apparatus. 31. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the second cleaning stage comprises a plurality of dust collection chambers which are simultaneously emptied. 32. The method of any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein each cyclone has an associated dust collection chamber, each dust collection chamber is associated with only one cyclone, and all dust collection chambers are emptied at the same time. Surface cleaning device. 33. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 32, further comprising a door moveable to the open position, wherein the second cleaning stage is removable when the door is in the open position. 34. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the second cleaning stage is slidable and detachable from the surface cleaning apparatus. 35. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 34, wherein the second cleaning stage is detachably mounted to the first cleaning stage. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the second cleaning stage is movable upward from the first cleaning stage. 38. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the first and second cleaning stages each have a storage volume, and wherein the storage volume of the second cleaning stage is a surface cleaning device configured for particulate matter. When used to collect particulate matter, the surface cleaning apparatus is selected such that every time the first cleaning stage is emptied three times, the second cleaning stage is emptied more than once. 38. The surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the first and second cleaning stages each have a storage volume, and wherein the storage volume of the second cleaning stage is a surface cleaning device configured for particulate matter. When used to collect particulate material, the surface cleaning apparatus is selected such that every time the first cleaning stage is emptied ten times, the second cleaning stage is emptied more than once.

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